Article reprinted from: Odaily Planet Daily
Author: Andrey Didovskiy
Compiled by: Golem, Odaily Planet Daily
Intelligence is a broad, relative, and highly subjective variable that humans have not sufficiently quantified. Generally speaking, if an organism is 'alive' and 'autonomous,' we classify it as an intelligent being. This abstract ambiguity is particularly evident in the crypto field.
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 magical Pandora's box filled with paradoxes.
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. You can either be a Sith Lord with an IQ of 200 (the leader of dark force users in the Star Wars movie series) or a degenerate ape with an IQ of 20 (a complete brainless speculator); if you fall somewhere in between, you're done for.
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
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 essence of the vicious competition and zero-sum game in the financial game.
On the left side of the curve are those with IQ 20 'degenerates' (brainless speculators in the crypto industry) who have single-celled brains and almost no self-awareness; on the right side are those with an IQ of 200 'super brains' who possess nearly supernatural mathematical and social psychological understanding; and standing in the middle are hardworking and emotionally dependent ordinary people.
Further analysis of these groups:
Left curve: IQ 20-70
Think like a single-celled organism
This bold group is unafraid of risks; they are at the forefront of crypto, constantly trying, failing, and learning, but always full of motivation. These beings are often highly paranoid, sometimes even autistic, but they excel at creating memes and 'CX support' for each other.
While 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. Those on the left side of the curve are typically emotionally detached, with a natural inclination to understand human psychology through intuition.
Involved asset types: 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)
Return difference: -99% ← → +10,000% (either go to zero or freedom)
Do they ultimately profit?: Sometimes
Middle curve: IQ 70-120
Group considered as liquidity exit
Those on the middle curve heavily rely on technical analysis/charting tools; they are meticulous thinkers but often get immersed in false narratives and do not take risky experiments. They are reluctant to be the first, yet always believe they won't be the last. This group of emotionally sensitive top buyers and bottom sellers in the crypto market has many other names: bag holders, retail investors, paper hands, basket token holders, etc.
Their existence is crucial to the industry—without them, there are no profits.
Involved asset types: mainly scams and slow-growing assets
Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX
Investment philosophy: buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation
Return difference: -99% ← → +100% (either go to zero or small profit)
Do they ultimately profit?: Rarely
Right side 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 must possess 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 states, are fascinated by human psychology, and are very patient. These individuals do not yield to social pressure, are unafraid of losses or admitting mistakes, and are very flexible thinkers.
Involved asset types: mainly meme coins, but open to all categories
Examples: SOL, GOAT, PEPE, OM
Investment philosophy: HODL, BUIDL, DCA, no leverage
Return difference: -99% ← → +10,000% (either go to zero or freedom)
Do they ultimately profit?: Always
Intelligence levels of different countries' populations
You can understand the average intelligence level in 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 (106 in Hong Kong)
The average IQ in Russia is about 96 (ranking in the top four among countries with annual incomes below $10,000)
The average IQ in India is about 77 (possibly influenced by culture and population density)
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 humanity's arrogant nature, many will think they are on the far right, while some will not care (the investors on the left), but the fact is that the vast majority will ultimately find themselves in the middle.
"Those who chase two rabbits may catch none." No matter which side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.
Understand where you truly stand?
While judging solely by asset types 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 during the decision-making process, logical reasoning (or lack thereof), ability to handle social feedback, and the ultimate outcome of their decisions. Ultimately, it is vital to remain objective, be honest with oneself, understand your risk preferences, and take action.
Step out of your comfort zone, that's where the seeds grow. May peace, love, and absolute abundance come to everyone (no matter where you currently stand on the curve).
