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The 12 smartest cat breeds that are equally cute and clever

<h2>How smart is your cat?</h2> <p>Cats are delightfully complex creatures. If we dare to sleep in a few minutes late, they paw at our faces and meow, demanding breakfast. They can be warm and affectionate yet aloof when we’ve been away from the house too long. Even some of the smartest cat breeds display unusual cat behaviour.  But there’s no need for standardised tests to verify what we already know – cats are smart! Whether they’re mixed breed or purebred, small cat breeds or large cat breeds, the reality is that there’s no one accurate way to measure the intelligence of individual cats. However, recent research gives us some compelling evidence to back up what we know in our hearts: feline intelligence is unique.</p> <p>Are you clawing to find out which cat breeds are the smartest? Do they happen to be sleek black cat breeds, gorgeous orange cat breeds or all of the above? Experts say the ones on our list stand out when it comes to their trainability, insatiable curiosity, investigative skills and puzzle-solving brain power.</p> <h2>Do cats have a high IQ?</h2> <p>Before we reveal the smartest cat breeds, let’s take a closer look at just how clever these little lions are. We know that a cat’s brain is almost as structurally complex as a human brain. Cats have around 250 million neurons (tiny information processors) in their cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that solves problems, makes decisions, decodes emotions and creates complex behaviour, like why cats purr or why cats sleep so much. (In comparison, dogs have about 429 million neurons, and humans house an average of 86 billion.) And while more neurons in the brain does equal more cognitive ability, it isn’t necessarily a good indicator of intelligence. That’s because cognition can involve other areas outside the cerebral cortex.</p> <p>So why are dogs generally thought to be smarter than cats? Is it because they have more neurons? Nerdy science aside, there are a host of theories. For starters, dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years and have been living and learning social tasks from humans longer than cats. Temperament wise, dogs are more patient and generally eager to please their humans. In contrast, cats are typically less eager to please, though some are exceptionally cooperative. They tend to be more impulsive, have far less patience and get frustrated and lose interest in something that’s boring to them.</p> <p>However, cats are highly attuned to their surroundings, and how they interact and respond is expressing intelligence, says Teresa Keiger, an all-breed judge with the Cat Fanciers’ Association. That awareness is what helped cats survive for thousands of years in the wild. “I notice that cats who were rescued from outdoor living situations tend to be more intelligent, since they’ve had to learn to think on their feet,” says veterinarian, Dr Stephanie Wolf. Whether a mixed breed or pedigree, rare cat breed or fluffy cat breed, one thing is certain: cats are smart and trainable; they just might not all be interested.</p> <h2>1. Russian blue</h2> <p>When it comes to the smartest cat breeds, the Russian blue is so clever that it’s more apt to train you than the other way around. Like an alarm, the Russian blue will wake you up to feed it breakfast and remind you when it’s dinnertime. In fact, if you’re looking for an accountability partner to maintain a strict schedule, this might be the cat for you. “This quiet breed is very attuned to its household,” says Keiger. “They’re incredibly smart, and they wait to make certain that any stranger is not a threat to safety.” Once they’ve issued your security clearance, they form a tight bond and are regarded as an affectionate cat breed with their humans – so much so that they’re known for hitching a ride on their human’s shoulders.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Russian blue</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>25 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–7 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>15–20 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>Abyssinian</h2> <p>This gorgeous cat looks like it stepped out of the jungle and into your living room. From the forward-tilting ears to the large almond-shaped eyes and the stunning colours of its coat, it resembles a cougar. “Abyssinians are incredibly intelligent, good problem solvers and full of an insatiable curiosity,” says Keiger.</p> <p>Perpetually alert and busy, the Aby is happiest when patrolling its environment and playing with challenging interactive puzzle toys. “I always think of Abys as the MacGyver of cats – if they had thumbs, they’d figure out how to fix anything,” Keiger says. Intelligence aside, Abys are highly social cats and love people and other felines. Plus, they are one of the cat breeds that gets along with dogds.   Who knows? Maybe the Aby could teach your old dog a few new tricks.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Abyssinian</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>30–40 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–5 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>9–15 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>3. Egyptian mau</h2> <p>The key to this exotic beauty’s happiness is sharpening its mental and physical skills. “Being able to offer enrichment is key to ensuring your cat is getting the best level of stimulation and exercise,” says veterinarian, Dr Julie Andino. That goes for all breeds, but this cat craves cat toys and activities that showcase its lightning-fast physical and mental responses. They’re so clever that they can even turn on the faucet to play in water – although we may never understand why some cats hate water when the mau wouldn’t miss an opportunity to splash their paws in it. After they’ve expended their energy figuring out the day’s puzzles, this cutie loves to snuggle up with their human.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Egyptian mau</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>17–28 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>4–6 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>9–13 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>4. Burmese</h2> <p>One of the smartest cat breeds, the Burmese craves attention, something you can learn from its body language.  “This intelligent breed loves to entertain its resident humans so much that it often checks to make certain someone is watching,” says Keiger. They’re also known for being dog-like and enjoy a rousing game of fetch, an unusually quirky cat behaviour. And they’re adorably stubborn. “When they make up their minds that they want something, they simply don’t take no for an answer and usually figure out a way to get it.” And that includes attention from you. Burmese cats are all about give-and-take when it comes to affection, but if you’re busy and ignore them too long, they might take it upon themselves to follow you around the house, rub against your leg  or plop down on your lap and snuggle, all to remind you that you have a cat that needs some loving.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Burmese</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>25–30 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>4–6 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>9–13 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>5. American bobtail</h2> <p>It’s one thing for the smartest cat breeds to learn new tricks, but when a cat also has emotional intelligence, that’s an impressive combo. These cute stubby-tailed felines are noted for their empathy and for providing a calming and assuring presence that’s equal to emotional support dogs. “They are also very in tune with their household and owners, offering a shoulder to cry on when needed,” says Keiger.</p> <p>They even act like dogs – playing fetch, walking on a leash and rushing to greet guests when there’s a knock on the door. Devoted companion, a lover of people and other animals, the American bobtail is an adorable and lovable companion.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">American bobtail</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>22–25 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–7 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>13–15 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>6. Japanese bobtail</h2> <p>The smartest cat breeds are often breeds we have never heard of before. Take the Japanese bobtail, one of the rarest cat breeds in the world. Every Japanese bobtail has its own unique tail. Yes, you read that right. No two tails are ever alike. They consider themselves family members and are always ready to help, even if that means sitting on your sitting on your laptop. “They are active, intelligent, talkative cats who delight in mischief-making,” says Keiger. They love to travel, stay in hotels and quite literally jump through hoops and over hurdles to impress you – and entertain themselves. As brain power goes, it’s that human-like personality that makes them seem so bright. “Life is never dull with a Japanese bobtail,” Keiger says.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Japanese bobtail</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>20–23 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–5 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>15–18 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>7. Siamese</h2> <p>The Siamese is wicked smart and loves to learn new tricks, Dr Andino says. If you don’t provide interesting and challenging outlets to exercise its noggin, it will find its own stimulating activities, whether you approve or not. If there’s one thing that competes with utilising its brain power, it’s the love and affection it craves from humans. If this cat had a daily schedule, “get affection from human” would be a top priority. And Siamese cats will let you know by that infamous yowling. “The Siamese are very vocal and communicative with their human,” says Dr Andino. They’re likely to talk your ear off, especially if they want something. One of the smartest cat breeds, the Siamese gets along well with people of all ages, as well as other animals. Bonus: if you take any stock in choosing cats most compatible with your zodiac sign, the Siamese happens to be very compatible with Libras.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Siamese</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>20–25 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–7 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>15–20 years</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>8. Bengal</h2> <p>The Bengal sports a jaw-dropping, highly contrasted coat of distinctive marbling – very similar to what you see on leopards and jaguars. Its striking beauty is why you should keep close tabs on your Bengal, as it’s the cat breed most often stolen. Beauty aside, this very confident and curious cat isn’t shy about asking you to play. Bengals tend to get a little set in their ways, so introducing new people and furry friends should be done at an early age, if possible. Need to lay down a few new house rules or teach it some tricks? No problem. Bengals pick those up lickety-split. Their athletic prowess is unmatched, but they need plenty of space to run, pounce, roam and jump – some even love to walk on a leash and explore the outdoors. Bengals are super sweet and often very chatty (here’s what their meows may mean) and happy to engage you in a conversation.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Bengal</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>20–25 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>4–7 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>12–16 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>9. Korat</h2> <p>Did you know that the smartest cat breeds could also bring you good fortune? The Korat is one of Thailand’s good luck cats, and no, they don’t mind if you pet them several times a day to increase your luck! Korats are freakishly observant and will watch everything you do. Don’t be surprised if they learn how to open their own box of treats. They’re a devoted companion, an outgoing feline and enjoy having guests in the house. One reason is they love to snoop. Like the nosy houseguest who peeks in your medicine cabinet, the Korat returns the favour, sniffing and investigating your guest’s shoes, purses, coats and anything else that piques their interest. Because Korats thrive when they are around people, being alone may cause cat anxiety.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Korat</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>23–30 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–5 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>10–15 years</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>10. Bombay</h2> <p>Bred to look like the Indian black leopard, this midnight-black kitty walks with a sway much like its wild counterpart and is equally gorgeous and clever. Bombay cats are exceptionally friendly, outgoing and lovey-dovey. Family life is their jam, including younger humans and furry siblings. “The Bombay kitty is great at being trained, and they’re very motivated to show their people what they are capable of learning,” says Dr Andino. These cats thrive with continuous education, learning new tricks and solving challenging interactive puzzles. And when the love bug hits them, watch out. They will hunt for your lap and crash there until they get enough pets and belly rubs.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Bombay</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>23–30 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>3–5 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>12–16 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>11. Havana brown</h2> <p>The brownie, as its fans dub it, is deeply connected to humans and savours affectionate companionship. (Havana browns insist on being involved in whatever you’re doing, yet they are remarkably sensitive and use both their paws to gently touch their humans. They share DNA with the Siamese, but their meows are quieter, charming and almost flirty. They might prefer the company of one favourite human over others in the family but tend to get along with humans of all ages, as well as furry roommates. Perhaps the most interesting characteristic is how they investigate. While most felines examine things with their nose, Havana browns use both their paws to check out trinkets and treasures.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Havana brown</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>23–28 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>4–6 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>8–13 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2>12. Singapura</h2> <p>The Singapura is the smallest domestic cat breed, with a whole lot of feisty goodness in a tiny package. If those big saucer eyes and adorable face aren’t captivating enough to get your attention, you might need some catnip. And don’t let the small frame fool you. Under that fur lies a muscular and athletic body. The Singapura is a social butterfly, always looking to be the centre of attention, in the cutest, playful ways. They are the life of any party, whether they’re invited or not. Conversations with Singapuras are a pure delight as well and never get stale – you could listen to their sweet meows for hours, and they’ll love your high-pitched baby talk just as much. Keenly observant, intelligent and extroverted, these cats still act like kittens well into adulthood.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="2">Breed overview</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2">Singapura</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Height</td> <td>15–20 centimetres</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weight</td> <td>2–4 kilograms</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Life expectancy</td> <td>11–15 years</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/pets/the-12-smartest-cat-breeds-that-are-equally-cute-and-clever" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

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Sam Newman lashes out at “woke” athletes “with low IQs”

<p dir="ltr">Former AFL player Sam Newman has weighed in on a string of recent conflicts in the sporting world over million-dollar sponsorship deals, calling out “woke” athletes “with low IQs”.</p> <p dir="ltr">He claimed the world was “being run by patronising and pompous, arrogant people”, creating a “ridiculous, woke society of nonsense”.</p> <p dir="ltr">His comments come after the news emerged of controversies involving Netball Australia and the Fremantle Dockers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Netball Australia, which is in desperate need of funding, is in dispute with some of its star players around a $15 million sponsorship deal with Hancock Prospecting, which is owned by mining magnate Gina Rinehart.</p> <p dir="ltr">The deal would also see the company’s logo featured on the uniforms of Diamonds players, but opposition came from Indigenous player Donell Wallam and her teammates in relation to the company’s historical stance against Indigenous communities.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rinehart’s father, Lang Hancock, made a series of racist comments about Indigenous people in a 1984 documentary, Couldn’t Be Fairer, including his solution to the “Aboriginal problem”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I would dope the water up so that they were sterile and would breed themselves out in future and that would solve the problem,” Hancock said in the film.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the AFL world, major Fremantle Dockers supporter Woodside Energy, a natural gas exporter, has left some high-profile fans concerned.</p> <p dir="ltr">Author Tim Winton and former WA premier Carmen Lawrence are among a group of fans urging the football club to end the agreement with the gas company.</p> <p dir="ltr">These controversies have become fodder for Newman, who shared his opinions on both with <em>Sky News</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 76-year-old said he wouldn’t wear a certain sports jersey if he didn’t agree with what was on the front of it, but that “the price of being virtuous is hypocrisy” and that it’s unrealistic to expect sports could continue without money from the mining or energy sector.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you think fossil fuels are going to disappear in the very near future then you’re mistaken because that’s the end of the civilised world as we know it no matter what you think of climate and no matter what you think of global warming,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I notice one of the netballers said they weren’t happy with Hancock because of their climate record, I mean seriously the world we live in is being run by patronising and pompous, arrogant people who have no idea really what they’re on about.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He then dubbed the netballers as hypocrites.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We have people with low IQs telling a sporting body which is on its knees financially that they won’t accept money from sponsorship deals from a company which I’m sure that those people who are complaining use one of those products indirectly or directly that Hancock Mining or Hancock industries have fabricated on a daily basis,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">When <em>Sky News</em> host Chris Kenny suggested that sports stars should just not play if they don’t agree with who sponsors their game, Newman disagreed, saying that those running teams or codes have a “duty of care” to inform players before they sign up.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[They have] a duty of care [to] say to the rank and file before they sign them up, "We're going to have Alinta Energy or Hancock mining sponsor us, have you got any problems with it?’” Newman said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And if they have you could actually sort it out before they did the deal.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As for the Fremantle Dockers, Newman took the opportunity to slam the sport in general.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If I could just go a step further (about) the feigned indignation of the AFL who insist on telling us to be the moral arbiters of what we believe in,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I've said this before. At the AFL grand final we had three references to Indigenous Australians. </p> <p dir="ltr">“One of them is absolutely appropriate and no one could agree with it more.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But they had three separate references... lest we have to be told that we (have to) respect everything that's going on in the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They made a Muslim woman (Haneen Zreika of the Giants) the face of the AFLW, and then... she declined (to) wear the gay pride jumper.</p> <p dir="ltr">“If you get into the political realm in a sporting organisation, you end up creating a hornet's nest for the people who want nothing more than to go to the football or the sporting event just to watch it for what it is.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But they keep forcing this moral code onto us, to perhaps appease their own social prejudices and it turns into a ridiculous, woke society of nonsense.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-034e29be-7fff-5589-bfc8-96e96f37cce9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Sky News (Facebook)</em></p>

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"Low IQ": Medvedev beats Kyrgios then takes a swipe at unruly crowd

<p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>Russian world number two Daniil Medvedev had a go at tennis fans after his four-set defeat of Australian star Nick Kyrgios.</p> <p>Medvedev prevailed 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in front of a capacity crowd on Rod Laver Arena.</p> <p>Medvedev did his best to block out the crowd's loud antics during the match, even when they were whipped into a frenzy by Kyrgios. However, Medvedev's poise broke post-match in interviews, taking issue with some people in the crowd for booing or cheering between serves when two-times Australian Open champion turned tennis presenter Jim Courier asked him how he kept his emotions in check.</p> <p>"Sorry, I can't hear you," Medvedev said. "Show some respect for Jim Courier, he won here. Let him speak, please, if you respect somebody, at least respect Jim Courier."</p> <p>Medvedev then further admonished the Melbourne Park crowd in an interview with Eurosport.</p> <p>"Break point, second serve and people are cheering like you already made a double fault. That's just disappointing," he said.</p> <p>"It's not everybody who is doing it but those who are doing it probably have a low IQ.</p> <p>"It's not good for the game I think to do it, because probably people don't know, but when you're getting ready for the second serve, it's a tough moment."<br />Despite admitting the need for the crowd to observe etiquette at times, Kyrgios said he thought rowdy crowds were good for the evolution of the sport.</p> <p>"I thought the atmosphere was awesome," Kyrgios said.</p> <p>"You've got, like, you know, the most entertaining player playing in his home slam on Rod Laver, you'd expect the crowd to be like that.<br />Karl Stefanovic appeared to take issue with the Russian tennis star's comments, as he blasted Medvedev on the<span> </span><em>Today Show</em><span> </span>on Friday morning.</p> <p>“Daniil Medvedev, my accountant has a better personality,” Karl said.</p> <p>“Daniil Medvedev, he makes Ivan Lendl look like Beyonce. Daniil Medvedev,<span> </span><em>Terminator 4</em><span> </span>had more facial expressions.”</p> <p>He added: “Insulting the fans like that – they weren’t actually booing him. He misunderstood what was happening.”</p>

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Family thrilled with genius toddler who has IQ of 154

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Izaak Miller isn’t like normal toddlers. The incredibly intelligent boy has an IQ of 154 and already knows all 50 American states and the alphabet in three different languages.</p> <p>He has also passed the Mensa admission test at the age of three and has earned his place in the intelligence club.</p> <p>Izaak knows how to write the English, Greek and Arabic alphabet, despite not having any Greek or Arabic heritage. He also taught himself to read books by the age of two.</p> <p>His mum, Michelle Nelson, is beyond proud of her son, saying that “he just loves language”.</p> <p>“Izaak is my only child so going through the process of parenting I was shocked that one day he could just read,” she explained.</p> <p>“It was more from being outside with him and him reading signs on the bus and the underground, reading names of stations and reading instructions on posters like ‘please sit down take a seat’.</p> <p>“People were looking at him and asking whether he was at school because they couldn’t believe a child that young could read.</p> <p>“Every time I walk out the house someone compliments him.”</p> <p>Getting into Mensa was a battle, as the tests can not be applied to children under the age of ten. In order to be accepted, Izaak had to submit a prior-evidence application with an IQ test taken with an educational psychologist.</p> <p>He took the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence test with educational psychologist Dr Peter Congdon. Dr Congdon recommended Izaak get tested in two to four years to see how his IQ improves, but said he was “a child of very superior general intelligence and scholastic attainments to match”.</p> <p><em>Photo credits: </em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/world/genius-toddler-with-iq-of-154-joins-mensa-aged-four-and-can-speak-three-languages/ar-BB14D7uL?li=AAaeSy5" target="_blank"><em>SWNS</em></a></p> </div> </div> </div>

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The world's shortest IQ test that's only 3 questions long – and 4 out 5 people fail

<div> <div class="replay"> <div class="reply_body body linkify"> <div class="reply_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Fewer than one in five people can answer all three questions in the world’s shortest IQ test.</p> <p>This test is dubbed the “Cognitive Reflection Test” and comes from a <a rel="noopener" href="https://pubs.aeaweb.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1257/089533005775196732" target="_blank">2005 paper</a> by MIT professor Shane Frederick. He sought to demonstrate the difference between fast thought processes that are done with little conscious deliberation and those that are slower and more reflective.</p> <p>The test is made up of only three questions that are harder than they first appear.</p> <p>“The three items on the CRT are ‘easy’ in the sense that their solution is easily understood when explained, yet reaching the correct answer often requires the suppression of an erroneous answer that springs ‘impulsively’ to mind,” Professor Frederick wrote.</p> <p><strong>The questions</strong></p> <p>1. A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?</p> <p>2. If it takes five machines five minutes to make five widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?</p> <p>3. In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of the lake?</p> <p>Do you have your answers?</p> <p><strong>Here’s what most people guess</strong></p> <p>1. 10 cents</p> <p>2. 100 minutes</p> <p>3. 24 days</p> <p>Professor Frederick noted that the intuitive answer to the first question is 10 cents, but this “impulsive answer” is wrong.</p> <p>“Anyone who reflects upon it for even a moment would recognise that the difference between $1 and 10 cents is only 90 cents, not $1 as the problem stipulates,” he wrote.</p> <p>“In this case, catching that error is tantamount to solving the problem, since nearly everyone who does not respond ‘10 cents’ does, in fact, give the correct response.”</p> <p><strong>The correct answers</strong></p> <p>1. 5 cents</p> <p>2. 5 minutes</p> <p>3. 47 days</p> <p>Presh Talwalker, who is the author of <em>The Joy of Game Theory: An Introduction to Strategic Thinking</em>, explained the answers on his blog, <a rel="noopener" href="https://mindyourdecisions.com/blog/2013/06/24/can-you-correctly-answer-the-cognitive-reflection-test-83-percent-of-people-miss-at-least-1-question/" target="_blank">Mind Your Decisions.   </a></p> <p>1. “Say the ball costs X. Then the bat costs $1 more, so it is X + 1. So we have bat + ball = X + (X + 1) = 1.1 because together they cost $1.10. This means 2X + 1 = 1.1, then 2X = 0.1, so X = 0.05. This means the ball costs five cents and the bat costs $1.05.”</p> <p>2. “If it takes five machines five minutes to make five widgets, then it takes one machine five minutes to make one widget (each machine is making a widget in five minutes). If we have 100 machines working together, then each can make a widget in five minutes. So there will be 100 widgets in five minutes.”</p> <p>3. “Every day FORWARD the patch doubles in size. So every day BACKWARDS means the patch halves in size. So on day 47 the lake is half full.”</p> <p>The answers between men and women also varied.</p> <p>“Even if one focuses only on respondents who gave the wrong answers, men and women differ. Women’s mistakes tend to be of the intuitive variety, whereas men make a wider variety of errors,” Prof. Frederick wrote.</p> <p>“For every CRT item the ratio of ‘intuitive’ mistakes to ‘other’ mistakes is higher for women than for men. Thus, the data suggest that men are more likely to reflect on their answers and less inclined to go with their intuitive responses.”</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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Think Einstein was smart? Here are 8 people with higher IQs

<p><strong>1. Jacob Barnett: IQ 170</strong></p> <p>Jacob Barnett was <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/autistic-boy-genius-iq-higher-einstein-article-1.1340923">diagnosed</a> with moderate to severe autism at two years old, and doctors predicted he’d never learn to tie his own shoes.</p> <p>Needless to say, he’s mastered dressing himself. The American child prodigy finished grades six through twelve in less than a year, then went to college at age ten.</p> <p>He was a published physicist <a href="https://psmag.com/magazine/jacob-barnett-30-under-30">by the time he was 13</a>.</p> <p>Now he’s <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/physics-astronomy/about/people/j3barnet">working toward his PhD</a> at age 19.</p> <p><strong>2. Judit Polgár: IQ 170</strong></p> <p>The Hungarian chess master is considered the best female chess player of all time.</p> <p>When she was 15 years and 4 months old in 1991, she was the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/04/news/youngest-grandmaster-ever-is-15-ferocious-and-female.html">youngest player</a> to become an International Grandmaster.</p> <p>She’s <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/smartest-person-in-the-world-2011-12/#bert-byrne-is-alleged-to-have-an-iq-of-170-3">reported</a> to have an IQ of 170.</p> <p><strong>3. Rick Rosner: IQ 192 to 198</strong></p> <p>Rick Rosner has taken <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/interview-with-rick-rosner-2014-11?r=UK&amp;IR=T">more than 30 IQ tests</a>, revealing his IQ is between 192 and 198, depending on how the tests define their scores.</p> <p>Before the allegedly second-smartest man in the world became a TV writer, he worked as a bouncer, stripper, and nude model.</p> <p>He famously <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/lawsuit-millionaire-player-answer-article-1.927553">sued</a> ABC network for a faulty question after losing <em>Who Wants to Be a Millionaire</em> at the $16,000 level, but he lost the case.</p> <p><strong>4. Evangelos Katsioulis: IQ 198</strong></p> <p>With a score of 198, Evangelos Katsioulis, MD, MSc, MA, PhD, has the highest tested IQ in the world, according to the <a href="http://psiq.org/home.html">World Genius Directory</a>.</p> <p>The Greek psychiatrist also <a href="http://www.katsioulis.com/evangelos-katsioulis/">has degrees</a> in philosophy and medical research technology.</p> <p><strong>5. Sho Yano: IQ 200</strong></p> <p>American physician Sho Yano started college at age nine, and earned an MD and PhD <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/06/young-medical-student-graduate.html">by the time he was 21</a>.</p> <p>He has a black belt in tae kwon do and started composing music when he was four, but he’s put his focus on <a href="https://www.vitals.com/doctors/Dr_Sho_Yano.html">child neurology</a>.</p> <p><strong>6. Nathan Leopold: IQ 200</strong></p> <p>The infamous Nathan Leopold had an IQ of 200 and spoke nine languages by age 18, but he didn’t use his intelligence for the greater good.</p> <p>When he was 19, he and an accomplice were <a href="https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/leopold-and-loeb-gain-national-attention">arrested for murder</a> in 1924 after trying to commit the “perfect crime.”</p> <p>Leopold spent 33 years in jail before being released on parole.</p> <p><strong>7. Marilyn vos Savant: IQ 228</strong></p> <p>When Marilyn von Savant was ten years old, an adult-level Stanford-Binet test revealed she had an <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/4add9230-23d5-11de-996a-00144feabdc0">IQ of 228</a>, which later landed her a Guinness World Record until the company removed the category in 1990 because the numbers are considered inexact.</p> <p>She’s been answering philosophical and mathematical questions for <em>Parade</em> magazine readers in her “Ask Marilyn” <a href="https://parade.com/member/marilynvossavant/">column</a> since 1986</p> <p><strong>8. Ainan Cawley: IQ 263</strong></p> <p>This Irish child genius is <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3721556/The-smartest-40-people-time-revealed-List-includes-geniuses-Einstein-da-Vinci-s-number-one.html">projected</a> to have an IQ of 263.</p> <p>At eight years old, he was already taking third-year chemistry courses at Singapore Polytechnic, and by the time he was nine, he’d memorized the first 518 decimal places of pi.</p> <p>Now 18, he seems to have a knack for entertainment, having written the script and composed music <a href="https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/irish-child-prodigy-puts-talent-to-use-for-typhoon-charity-254202.html">for a short film called <em>Reflection</em></a> at age 12. </p> <p><em>Written by Marissa LaLiberte. This article first appeared in </em><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/think-einstein-was-smart-here-are-8-people-higher-iqs?items_per_page=All">Reader’s Digest.</a><em> For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, </em><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRN93V"></a></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

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