Author: Andrey Didovskiy
Compiled by: Golem, Odaily Planet Daily
Intelligence is a broad, relative, and highly subjective variable that humanity has yet to fully quantify. Generally, if an organism is 'alive' and 'autonomous,' we classify it as intelligent life. This abstract vagueness is particularly evident in the crypto space.
From 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, wonder-filled Pandora's box.
In this crazy world, there are few winners and many losers. The only simple standard that determines the difference between the two is a single, simple intelligence metric measured by portfolio performance.
If you want to win in the crypto game, you must stay away from mediocrity. Be either a Sith Lord with an IQ of 200 (the leader of dark force users in the Star Wars series) or an absolute degenerate ape with an IQ of 20 (a complete brainless speculator); if you are in between, you are doomed.
In the crypto world, the greatest insult someone can receive is to be called of '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 intelligence distribution of market participants.
Crypto IQ Curve
Very few people are at the ends of the curve (winners);
Very few people are at the ends of the curve (winners).
This is the nature of vicious competition and zero-sum games in the financial game.
On the left side of the curve are those with single-celled brains and almost no self-awareness, IQ 20 'degenerates' (brainless speculators in the crypto industry); on the right side are those with almost supernatural mathematical and social psychological understanding, IQ 200 'super brains'; and in the middle stand those who work hard and are emotionally dependent ordinary people.
Further analysis of these groups:
Left side of the curve: IQ 20 - 70
Thinking like a single-celled organism
This group of bold individuals is not afraid to take risks; they are at the forefront of crypto, constantly trying, failing, and learning, but always full of energy. These beings are often highly paranoid and sometimes even introverted, but they excel at creating memes and 'CX supporting' each other.
Although their fervent dedication makes it hard to distinguish between 'degeneracy' and gambling, the same energy also helps them become diamond hands and the elite group of early adopters of new things. Those on the left side of the curve are typically unemotional and have a natural inclination 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 will succeed)
Yield difference: -99% ← → + 10,000% (Either go to zero or be free)
Will there be a profit in the end?: Sometimes
Middle curve: IQ 70-120
Group treated as a liquidity exit
Those in the middle curve heavily rely on technical analysis/charting tools; they are meticulous thinkers but often immersed in false narratives and do not take risky experiments. They do not dare to be the first but always believe they will not be the last. This group of emotionally sensitive top buyers and bottom sellers has many other names in the crypto market: bag holders, retail investors, paper hands, and holders of bundles of tokens, etc.
Their existence is crucial to the industry—without them, there is no profit.
Asset types involved: Mainly scams and slow-growing assets
Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX
Investment philosophy: Buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation
Yield difference: -99% ← → + 100% (Either go to zero or make a small profit)
Will there be a profit in the end?: Almost never
Right side of the curve: IQ above 120
Alpha Individuals
These individuals are frontier thinkers, even 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, obsessed with human psychology, and very patient. These people do not yield to social pressure, are not afraid of losses or admitting mistakes, and are very 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
Yield difference: -99% ← → + 10,000% (Either go to zero or be free)
Will there be a profit in the end?: Always
Intelligence levels of people from different countries
You can understand the average intelligence levels of different countries in the real world through the following data:
The average IQ worldwide is about 94 (ranging from 70-110)
The average IQ in the United States is about 97 (varying between states from 95-103)
The average IQ in China is about 104 (Hong Kong is 106)
The average IQ in Russia is about 96 (ranking in the top four among countries with an annual income below $10,000)
The average IQ in India is about 77 (possibly influenced by culture and the large population)
What kind of person do you want to be?
Choose extreme left or extreme right? (No political pun intended), you can choose your own preference. However, due to human nature's arrogance, many will think they are on the far right, and some will not care (investors on the left), but the fact is that the vast majority will ultimately be in the middle.
"He who chases two rabbits may catch neither." Whichever side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.
Understanding where you truly stand?
While judging solely by asset type is a strong indicator, accurately quantifying a person's position on the crypto IQ curve requires a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors, including their emotional and psychological state during the decision-making process, logical reasoning (or lack thereof), ability to handle social feedback, and the final outcome of decisions. Ultimately, it comes down to being objective, honest with oneself, understanding your risk preference, and taking action.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is where seeds grow. May peace, love, and absolute abundance come to everyone (no matter where you are on the curve).
