A New Theory of Human Intelligence | Scott Barry Kaufman | TEDxZumbroRiver

Do standard tests (like I.Q.) lie about how smart you really are? Do they show what you can really achieve? In this paradigm-shifting talk, UPenn psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman presents a new theory of human intelligence.

Scott Barry Kaufman is deeply interested in using psychological science to help everyone– all kinds of minds— live a creative, fulfilling, and meaningful life. A main takeaway from his work is that everyone is capable of creativity, the key is finding the thing that will let them shine the most.

Scott is the Scientific Director of the Imagination Institute and conducts research in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review. His latest book is Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind.

[hainish]

"At what point can my achievement trump my potential?"
That's a wonderful revelation of humans are measured.

[mrthisisit]

I feel like this story could be turned into a movie. The whole idea, the problems you faced, and the ideas you came up with to trump those problems. Well done Scott Barry Kaufman.

[whiten]

This is one of the best TED talks I’ve seen in a while, and found it pretty sobering too. Should have more than 70k views..

[VeronicaMartinez-knfr]

My son has high functioning autism. I can really feel what you are explaining. This is exactly how his old school would treat him. My son is really smart, he can do his homework faster and get better grades than his sister who does not have autism. He just amazes me!!! This year I enrolled him in K-12 (because of Covid) and he is doing even better. When he was in normal school the teacher would limit him on how much he could do and would set him aside an expect him to fail. And in this new school they do not do that. He does his work attend the live lessons and if he has questions he can email his teachers. There is no direct contact with them and this really helped him shine.

[ckyung]

I'm a woman with ADHD which was not diagnosed when I was growing up. This was the 90s when it was primarily diagnosed in boys. My younger brother was diagnosed even though we both had typical/similar symptoms. My twin sister was the opposite and was ID'd as gifted by the time we were in 1st/2nd grade. I was still attending "special classes" for slower children (we were adopted at 3.5yrs, so we both began school in special Ed classes). By the time I was in middle school, I had calmed down and had read just about everything on our parents' bookshelves. My 4th grade English instructor seemed to be 😲 when I handed in a writing assignment. A year later, I was invited to join my twin and the other "cream of the crop" for advanced learning courses, but I didn't want to give up my art class and said "no thank you". 🙂
I graduated college with a double major in Psychology and Religious Studies, concentrating all of my electives on Anthropology and Philosophy courses. I have a lust for learning that kind of stuff. I'm still "hyper", as I have that type of ADD, but I stay active with exercise and a physical job.

[synthguy]

His story matches mine exactly! The only difference is that I gave up. I was obsessed with IQ *especially since I was diagnosed with an 87 IQ back in grade school* and felt like I've always lived in an internal paradox. I felt like most of my pursuits and interests couldn't have matched that score but, I eventually learned how to live with it *and terribly I may add.* Even though I was in special education, I couldn't relate with most of my peers. I was interested in topics like English, History, and computer science. Music is my biggest passion. My teachers even said I was bright enough to do anything I set my mind to. Than, in 10th grade, an RSP pre algebra teacher *who was also obsessed with IQ* told me in response of me saying "smart people work hard in life" responded with "smart people never have to work hard learning comes so easily to them." Than, in response of me saying "I'm going to go into Calcilus, " he than told me to "stop trying to understand how a doorknob works and just use it." I than asked him if I can become bright and even told him "I'll read all the books in the world." Than, he told me "no amount of books in the world can do that for you." Despite the fact that he use to hid on students and reeked of alcohol, I still took it to heart. Being in shambles was truly an understatement. Being in marching band where 70% of people were in honor and AP classes, I've revealed my vulnerabilities. Doing so got me ridiculed, bullied, and ignored as opposed to being understood. I was also envious of them. Even though my talent is music, nobody cared.
I became a terrible high school student because I wanted to get comfortable with my station in life. Case in point, even though I was responsible for taking this to heart, it was a teacher who ruined my spirit. Words are thoughts and thoughts lead to action *or in my case, inaction.*
Years later, I've winded up dropping out of community college and worked janitorial jobs. During this time, I forgot to appreciate my strengths. It's not all bleak though. I've winded up meeting my best friend *also in 10th grade* in marching band and he's still in my life to this very day; we would talk and breakdown even the most mundane and/or deep philosophical and social topics through every angle. I also want to hang out with more intellectuals as I have many of their interests but, it's pretty difficult because I'm trying to get over my insecurities of them quietly writing me off due to my perceived feeble-minded tendencies; I'm working on that and getting better. I'm also cultivating my musical talents and decided to go back to school for music. Shoot, I may even take some computer science classes! I really do love to learn, I just thought that since my IQ is so low, I wasn't allowed to.
After years of searching, I finally found the person who went through exactly what I went through. the only difference however is that he never gave up and I did. I'm still young enough to change my life. But through him, I now know it's possible.
This man is my inspiration and would love to meet him one day.

[aaliyahwilliams]

Ugh love him sm. He hosts the psychology podcast and it’s my favorite!!!

[MartaWyngaard]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you❤❤❤❤

[donnarowe]

We have a triarchic system: special ed., gifted, and we ignored masses. I recall being jealous of my classmates who were members of the gifted program. They'd carry their copies of The Imperial Presidency (this was the 1974-75 school year) to the 5th hour Humanities class, and I knew if I read the book, unlike them, I'd have absolutely no one to discuss it with. I was smart enough to almost get straight As (one B every semester messed that up!), but not smart enough, apparently, to analyze the then current political landscape.

No one cares what the average or special education student has to contribute to the world. We're nobodies.

Thank you so much for your research and your desire for all of us to use our abilities to their fullest!

[Boomercon]

You are such a wonderful human being. Thank you.

[jordonbennett]

I relate to this I don't fit into any social norms
I struggled finding a social platform my whole life eventually I learnt to forge my own path and hopefully break some moulds along the way
But I relate so intensely to this story 👍

[dobry]

If you don’t know a 2e, you don’t believe a 2e. I admire Mr Kaufman so much. Wish there were a way to get mainstream schools to implement his recommendations. My kid is 2e and we’re struggling 😢. Worst part is lack of support-friends & family. No one believes a goofy kid is-Brilliant.

[mikedavis]

Omg what a remarkable story to show the world that it never was about IQ and standardized tests !!! Wow

[asktheastronauts]

I feel seen by the content of talk. Thanks Scott!

[jeffreycounts]

Incredible talk. The ending was unexpected to say the least - gave me goosebumps.

[davidfeldman]

Dear Scott: A stunningly effective presentation of your experience and your vision. I am going to begin my course on intelligence with it next week. Best, David Henry

[ClareBearBunny]

This sounds exactly like me as a kid. I barely graduated high school, and had to attend summer school after my freshman year in part because I failed US history I. I'll be attending BC's history MA program in September, and want to be a history professor.

[accidentalscientist]

"I really do believe that we need a new theory of human intelligence. One that is more holistic and takes into account a child's passions, personal goals, as well as their ability level. Cause the more that we engage and are motivated to achieve the more that increases our actual ability. And the more that ability achieves it then becomes an upward spiral. Where our engagement is greater as well. And most importantly once it's connected to a personal passion then we can start to realize the potential we have." Scott Barry Kaufman, 'A New Theory of Human Intelligence'.

[ReallyFunTimes]

Good news for those in the alternative education sector! Now what do special educators do with this?

[KungFuBlitzKrieg]

One of the best TED talks I've seen! You are an inspiration, Sir!