It is possible to make money with an IQ of 20 or 200, but being in the middle is just mediocre.
Source: Andrey Didovskiy
Translated by: Golem, Odaily Planet Daily
Intelligence is a broad, relative, and highly subjective variable that humans have yet to adequately quantify. Generally speaking, we classify an organism as intelligent if it is “alive” and “autonomous.” This abstract ambiguity is particularly evident in the field of encryption.
From degens writing papers on the potential value of Fartcoin, to governments exploring strategic Bitcoin reserves, to academics developing complex and useless technologies, the cryptocurrency industry is a huge Pandora’s box of paradoxes.
In this crazy world, there are few winners and many losers. The only simple standard that differentiates the two is a single, simple intelligence metric measured by portfolio performance.
If you want to win in the crypto game, you must steer clear of mediocrity. Either you are an IQ 200 Sith Lord (the leader of dark force users in the movie series Star Wars) or an IQ 20 absolute degenerate ape (a completely mindless speculator); if you fall in between, you are doomed.
In the crypto world, the greatest insult one can receive is being 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 intelligence distribution of market participants.
Crypto IQ Curve
A very small number of people are at the ends of the curve (winners);
A very small number of people are at the ends of the curve (winners).
This is the nature of the vicious competition and zero-sum game in the financial game.
On the left side of the curve are those with single-cell brains and almost no self-awareness with an IQ of 20, the ‘degenerates’ (mindless speculators in the crypto industry); on the right side of the curve are those with almost supernatural mathematical and social psychological understanding abilities with an IQ of 200, the ‘super brains’; and in the middle are those hardworking ordinary people with emotional dependencies.
Further analysis of these groups:
Left side of the curve: IQ 20-70
Think like a single-celled organism
This bold group is unafraid of taking risks; they are at the forefront of crypto, constantly trying, failing, and learning, yet always full of energy. These beings are often highly paranoid, sometimes even autistic, but they excel at creating Memes and ‘CX support’ for each other.
Although their fervent dedication makes it hard to distinguish the line between ‘degeneracy’ and gambling, the same energy helps them become diamond hands and the elite group of early adopters. Those on the left side of the curve usually lack emotional coloration and have a natural tendency to understand human psychology through intuition.
Asset types involved: mainly Meme coins, but also open to accepting all categories
Examples: GOAT, SHIB, SOL, PEPE
Investment philosophy: less is more, Catcoin Gudcoin, HODL, WAGMI (We're All Gonna Make It)
Return differences: -99% ← → +10,000% (either go to zero or be free)
Will you ultimately profit?: Sometimes
Middle curve: IQ 70-120
Groups considered as liquidity exits
Those on the middle curve heavily rely on technical analysis/charting tools; they are meticulous thinkers but often immersed in false narratives and do not engage in 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, token holders, etc.
Their existence is crucial to the industry—without them, there are no profits.
Asset types involved: mainly scams and slowly growing assets
Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX
Investment philosophy: buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation
Return differences: -99% ← → +100% (either go to zero or make a small profit)
Will you ultimately profit?: Almost never
Right side of the curve: IQ 120 and above
Alpha individuals
These individuals are frontier thinkers and even narrative creators who predict and control trends.
To join this group, one needs expertise in knowledge-intensive disciplines such as cryptography, economics, finance, sociology, psychology, computer science, statistics, and others. Those on the right side of the curve have a deep understanding of their emotional state, are very obsessed with human psychology, and are extremely patient. These individuals do not yield under social pressure, fear losses, or admit mistakes; this open-minded group is very flexible.
Asset types involved: mainly Meme coins, but open to all categories
Examples: SOL, GOAT, PEPE, OM
Investment philosophy: HODL, BUIDL, DCA, no leverage
Return differences: -99% ← → +10,000% (either go to zero or be free)
Will you ultimately profit?: Always
Intelligence levels of populations in different countries
You can understand the average intelligence level of different countries in the real world through the following data:
(The dataset varies due to its sources; thus, the data below contains the most consistent/persistent information available from several sources that search engines can find.)
The average IQ worldwide is around 94 (ranging from 70-110)
The average IQ in the United States is around 97 (varying between 95-103 across states)
The average IQ in China is around 104 (106 in Hong Kong)
The average IQ in Russia is around 96 (ranking in the top four among countries with annual incomes below $10,000)
The average IQ in India is around 77 (possibly influenced by culture and large population)
(Please take these data with caution; it is certain that there is some bias in the census methods used to collect and compile this information. If you are touched by this data, then congratulations, you are likely someone who is at a middle curve position; do not feel offended, but be aware of this.)
What kind of person do you want to be?
Choose the extreme left or extreme right? (No intention of political double entendre), you can choose your preference. However, due to human nature of arrogance, many people think they are on the far right, while some do not care about this (investors on the left); the truth is that the vast majority will ultimately fall in the middle.
‘He who chases two rabbits catches none.’ No matter which side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.
Understanding where you really stand?
While judging solely by asset type is a strong 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 final outcome of decisions. Ultimately, it is essential to remain objective, be honest with oneself, understand your risk appetite, and take action.
Step out of your comfort zone; that is where seeds grow. May peace, love, and absolute abundance come to everyone (regardless of where you currently stand on the curve).
