Author: 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 domain.
From the degens writing papers on the potential value of Fartcoin, to governments exploring strategic Bitcoin reserves, to scholars developing complex useless technologies, the cryptocurrency industry is a vast, paradoxical Pandora's box.
In this crazy world, winners are few, and losers are many. The only simple criterion that determines this difference is a single, simple intelligence metric measured by portfolio performance.
To win the crypto game, you must steer clear of 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). If you're in between, you're done for.
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 "bell curve" principle, the Crypto IQ Curve is a Meme used to describe the intelligence distribution of market participants.
Crypto IQ Curve
- A tiny minority are at the two ends of the curve (the winners);
- A tiny 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 are the "super brains" with IQ 200, possessing almost supernatural mathematical and social-psychological understanding. 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 highly motivated. 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 vanguard of early adopters. People on the left side of the curve are usually devoid of emotional coloration, 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 differential: -99% ← → + 10,000% (either zero or freedom)
- Do they ultimately profit?: Sometimes
Middle Curve: IQ 70-120
The group used as liquidity exit
People on the middle curve are heavily reliant on technical analysis/chart tools, they are meticulous thinkers, but often immersed in false narratives and unwilling 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, 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 people
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. 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. This group of open-minded people are flexible and will 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 insight into the average intelligence levels in different countries in the real world:
- 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 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)
Which type of person do you want to be?
Choose the extreme left or extreme right? (Unintentionally using political puns), 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 end up 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 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 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 descend upon everyone (regardless of your current position on the curve).
