Source: Andrey Didovskiy
Compiled by: Golem, Odaily
Intelligence is a broad, relative, and highly subjective variable that humanity has not yet fully quantified. Generally, if an organism is "alive" and "autonomous," we classify it as an intelligent life form. This abstract ambiguity is particularly evident in the crypto realm.
From the degens who write papers on the potential value of Fartcoin, to the governments exploring strategic Bitcoin reserves, to the scholars developing complex useless technologies, the cryptocurrency industry is a vast, paradoxical, and wondrous Pandora's box.
In this crazy world, there are few winners and many losers. The only simple criterion that determines this difference is a single, simple intelligence metric measured by portfolio performance.
To win in the crypto game, you must steer clear of mediocrity. Either you are an IQ 200 Sith Lord (a leader of the Dark Force users in the Star Wars series), or an IQ 20 absolute degenerate ape (a thorough-going speculator), if you are in between, you are doomed.
In the crypto world, the greatest insult one can receive is to be called "average intelligence" (not to mention the emotional and financial pain that comes with it).
What is the Crypto IQ Curve
Based on the principle of the "bell curve," the Crypto IQ Curve is a Meme used to describe the distribution of intelligence among market participants.
Crypto IQ Curve
A small minority are at the two ends of the curve (the winners);
A small minority are at the two ends of the curve (the winners).
This is the essence of the zero-sum game of financial competition.
On the left side of the curve are the IQ 20 "degenerates" (mindless speculators in the crypto industry) with single-celled brains and almost no self-awareness; on the right side of the curve are the "super brains" with IQ 200 and almost supernatural mathematical and social-psychological understanding; and standing in the middle are the diligent workers with emotional dependence.
Further analysis of these groups:
Left Curve: IQ 20 -70
Thinking like a single-celled organism
This group of bold individuals are not afraid to take risks; they are at the forefront of crypto, constantly trying, failing, and learning, but always full of energy. These organisms are usually highly obsessive, sometimes even autistic, but they excel at creating Memes and "CX supporting" each other.
Although their fanatical dedication makes it difficult to distinguish between "degeneracy" and gambling, the same energy also helps them become diamond hands and the elite early adopters of new things. Those on the left side of the curve are usually devoid of emotional coloring, and they have a natural tendency to understand human psychology through intuition.
Asset types involved: Mainly Meme coins, but open to all categories
Examples: GOAT, SHIB, SOL, PEPE
Investment philosophy: Less is more, Catcoin Gudcoin, HODL, WAGMI (We're Gonna Make It)
Profit differential: -99% ← → + 10,000% (Either zero or freedom)
Do they ultimately profit?: Sometimes
Middle Curve: IQ 70-120
The group used as liquidity exit
Those in the middle curve are heavily dependent on technical analysis/charting tools, they are meticulous thinkers, but often immersed in false narratives and do not take risks. They don't dare to be the first, but always think they won't be the last. This group of emotionally sensitive top buyers and bottom sellers in the crypto market have many other names: bagholders, retail investors, paper hands, index token holders, etc.
Their existence is crucial to the industry - without them, there would be no profits.
Asset types involved: Mainly scams and slow-growth assets
Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX
Investment philosophy: Buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation
Profit differential: -99% ← → + 100% (Either zero or small gains)
Do they ultimately profit?: Almost never
Right Curve: IQ 120+
Alpha Individuals
These are the frontier thinkers, even the creators of narratives, who predict and control trends.
To join this group, one needs expertise in cryptography, economics, finance, sociology, psychology, computer science, statistics, and other knowledge-intensive disciplines. Those on the right side of the curve are very aware of their emotional state, fascinated by human psychology, and very patient. This open-minded group is flexible and does not succumb to social pressure, nor are they afraid of losses or admitting mistakes.
Asset types involved: Mainly Meme coins, but open to all categories
Examples: SOL, GOAT, PEPE, OM
Investment philosophy: HODL, BUIDL, DCA, no leverage
Profit differential: -99% ← → + 10,000% (Either zero or freedom)
Do they ultimately profit?: Always
Intelligence Levels of Different Nationalities
The following data can provide an understanding of the average intelligence levels in different countries in the real world:
(The data set varies depending on the source, so the information below contains the most consistent/persistent data from multiple sources that can be found on search engines.)
The global average IQ is around 94 (ranging from 70-110)
The average IQ in the US is around 97 (varying between 95-103 across states)
The average IQ in China is around 104 (Hong Kong is 106)
The average IQ in Russia is around 96 (ranked in the top four among countries with income less than $10,000)
The average IQ in India is around 77 (possibly influenced by culture and large population)
(Please treat this data with caution, as the population census methods used to collect and compile this information are certainly biased in some way. If you are touched by these data, then congratulations, you are likely a person in the middle curve, do not feel offended, but be aware of this.)
Which Type of Person Do You Want to Be?
Choose the far left or far right? (Unintentionally using political double meanings), you can choose your own preference. However, due to human arrogance, many will think they are on the far right, and some who don't care (investors on the left), but the fact is that the vast majority will ultimately be in the middle.
"The man who chases two rabbits catches neither." Whichever side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.
Where do you really stand?
While asset type alone is a powerful indicator, accurately quantifying one's position on the crypto IQ curve requires considering multiple factors, including their emotional and psychological state in the decision-making process, logical reasoning (or lack thereof), ability to handle social feedback, and the ultimate outcomes of their decisions. At the end of the day, it's about staying objective, being honest with yourself, understanding your risk appetite, and taking action accordingly.
Step out of your comfort zone, for that is where the seeds of growth take root. May peace, love, and absolute abundance descend upon everyone (regardless of your current position on the curve).