Author: Andrey Didovskiy
Translated 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. And this abstract ambiguity is particularly pronounced in the crypto realm.
From the degens who write papers on the potential value of Fartcoin, to governments exploring strategic BTC reserves, to 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 investment portfolio performance.
To win the crypto game, you must avoid mediocrity. You must either be 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), because if you're in between, you're done for.
In the crypto world, the greatest insult a person 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.
The 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 vicious competition and zero-sum game of the financial game.
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 are the "super brains" with IQ 200 mathematical and social-psychological understanding capabilities; and in the middle are the diligent and emotionally dependent ordinary people.
Further analysis of these groups:
Left Curve: IQ 20 -70
Thinking like a single-celled organism
This group of bold people 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 are good at making 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. People on the left side of the curve are usually emotionless, 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
Profit difference: -99% ← → + 10,000% (either zero or freedom)
Do they ultimately profit?: Sometimes
Middle Curve: IQ 70-120
The group used as liquidity exit
People in the middle curve are heavily dependent on technical analysis/chart tools, they are meticulous thinkers, but often immersed in false narratives and do not dare to 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-growing assets
Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX
Investment philosophy: Buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation
Profit difference: -99% ← → + 100% (either zero or small gains)
Do they ultimately profit?: Almost never
Right Curve: IQ 120+
Alpha people
These are the frontier thinkers, even the creators of narratives, who predict and control trends.
To join this group, you need expertise in cryptography, economics, finance, sociology, psychology, computer science, statistics, and other knowledge-intensive disciplines. People on the right side of the curve are very aware of their emotional state and fascinated by human psychology, and they are very patient. These people do not succumb to social pressure, are not afraid of losses or admitting mistakes, and are flexible thinkers.
Asset types involved: Mainly Meme coins, but open to all categories
Examples: SOL, GOAT, PEPE, OM
Investment philosophy: HODL, BUIDL, DCA, no leverage
Profit difference: -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 information 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 an annual income below $10,000)
The average IQ in India is around 77 (possibly influenced by culture and large population)
(Please use caution with these data, as it is certain that the census methods used to collect and compile this information have some bias. 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? (I used a political pun unintentionally), you can choose your 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) will also think so, but the fact is that the vast majority will ultimately be in the middle.
"The one who chases two rabbits will probably catch neither." Whichever side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.
Understand your true position?
While asset type is a powerful indicator, accurately quantifying a person'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 outcome of their decisions. Ultimately, it's about staying objective, being honest with yourself, understanding your risk appetite, and taking action.
Step out of your comfort zone, for that is where the seeds of growth lie. May peace, love, and absolute prosperity come to everyone (regardless of where you currently are on the curve).
