Original text by Andrey Didovskiy
Compiled by｜Odaily Planet Daily Golem (@web3_golem)
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 realm.
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 huge, paradoxical wonder 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 the dark force users in the Star Wars series) or an absolute degenerate ape with an IQ of 20 (a completely brainless speculator); if you fall somewhere in between, you're 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
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 financial game's vicious competition and zero-sum game.
On the left side of the curve are those with single-cell brains and almost no self-awareness, 'degenerates' with IQ 20 (brainless speculators in the crypto industry); on the right side of the curve are those with almost supernatural mathematical and social psychological understanding, 'super brains' with IQ 200; and standing in the middle are the hardworking and emotionally dependent ordinary people.
Further analysis of these groups:
Left Side Curve: IQ 20-70
Think like a single-celled organism
This group of bold individuals is unafraid of risk; they are at the forefront of crypto, continuously trying, failing, and learning, but always full of drive. These beings are often highly paranoid, and sometimes even autistic, but they excel at creating memes and 'CX support' for each other.
While their fervent dedication blurs the line between 'degeneracy' and gambling, the same energy also helps them become diamond hands and elite early adopters of new things. Those on the left side of the curve tend to be unemotional; they have a natural inclination to understand human psychology intuitively.
Asset Types Involved: Primarily meme coins, but also open to all categories
Examples: GOAT, SHIB, SOL, PEPE
Investment Philosophy: Less is more, Catcoin Gudcoin, HODL, WAGMI (We will succeed)
Return Variance: -99% ← → +10,000% (either goes to zero or freedom)
Will you end up profiting?: Sometimes
Middle Curve: IQ 70-120
Groups treated as liquidity exits
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 engage in risky experiments. They do not dare to be the first but always believe they won't 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: Primarily scams and slow-growing assets
Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX
Investment Philosophy: Buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation
Return Variance: -99% ← → +100% (either goes to zero or small profit)
Will you end up profiting?: Almost never
Right Side Curve: IQ 120 and Above
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 are very aware of their emotional states, obsessed with human psychology, and very patient. These individuals do not succumb to social pressure, are not afraid of losses or admitting mistakes, and they are flexible thinkers.
Asset Types Involved: Primarily meme coins, but open to all categories
Examples: SOL, GOAT, PEPE, OM
Investment Philosophy: HODL, BUIDL, DCA, No Leverage
Return Variance: -99% ← → +10,000% (either goes to zero or freedom)
Will you end up profiting?: Always
Intelligence levels of different national populations
The following data can provide insights into the average intelligence levels of different countries in the real world:
(Datasets vary by their sources, so the data below contains the most consistent/persistent information from multiple sources that search engines can find)
The average IQ globally is about 94 (ranging from 70-110)
The average IQ in the United States is about 97 (varying between states 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)
(Please take these data cautiously; it is certain that there are some biases in the census methods used to collect and aggregate this information. If you are moved by these data, then congratulations, you are likely a person in the middle curve position. Don't feel offended, but be aware of this.)
What kind of person do you want to be?
Choose extreme left or extreme right? (No political puns intended), you can choose your preference. However, due to human arrogance, many will think of themselves as far right, while some will not care about this (investors on the left side), but the fact is that the vast majority will end up in the middle position.
"He who chases two rabbits may catch neither." Regardless of the side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.
Understand where you really stand?
While judging based solely on 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 mental state during the decision-making process, logical reasoning (or lack thereof), ability to handle social feedback, and the final outcomes of their decisions. Ultimately, it is about staying objective, being honest with oneself, understanding your risk preferences, and taking action.
Step out of your comfort zone; that is where the seed grows. May peace, love, and absolute abundance descend upon everyone (regardless of where you currently stand on the curve).
