At Our Wits' End

Synopsis

We are becoming less intelligent. This is the shocking yet fascinating message of At Our Wits' End. The authors take us on a journey through the growing body of evidence that we are significantly less intelligent now than we were a hundred years ago. The research proving this is, at once, profoundly thought-provoking, highly controversial, and it's currently only read by academics. But the authors are passionate that it cannot remain ensconced in the ivory tower any longer. With At Our Wits' End, they present the first ever popular scientific book on this crucially important issue. They prove that intelligence - which is strongly genetic - was increasing up until the breakthrough of the Industrial Revolution, because we were subject to the rigors of Darwinian Selection, meaning that lots of surviving children was the preserve of the cleverest. But since then, they show, intelligence has gone into rapid decline, because large families are increasingly the preserve of the least intelligent. The book explores how this change has occurred and, crucially, what its consequences will be for the future. Can we find a way of reversing the decline of our IQ? Or will we witness the collapse of civilization and the rise of a new Dark Age?

Summary

Chapter 1: A Brave New World

In the first chapter of "At Our Wits' End," author Edward Dutton and Michael Woodley of Menie introduce the concept of intelligence decline. They explain that intelligence levels, as measured by IQ tests, have been steadily decreasing since the early 20th century. This decline has been observed in many countries and across different generations, indicating that the trend is not due to temporary factors, such as changes in education or nutrition. The authors argue that this decline poses a significant threat to society and may lead to the collapse of Western civilization.

To illustrate this point, Dutton and Woodley of Menie use the example of a fictional society called The Perfects. This society is highly advanced in terms of technology, but its members are not very intelligent. They lack the ability to think critically and solve complex problems, making them vulnerable to outside threats and incapable of sustaining their civilization. This scenario serves as a cautionary tale for what could happen if intelligence decline continues unchecked.

Chapter 2: The Great Dumbening

In the second chapter, the authors provide evidence for the decline in intelligence. They examine data from multiple studies and sources, including IQ test scores, academic achievement, and achievement in other cognitive tasks. The trend of declining intelligence is consistent across different measures, suggesting that it is a real and significant phenomenon.

To further emphasize this point, Dutton and Woodley of Menie give the example of the Flynn effect. This refers to the observed increase in IQ scores over time, which was seen in the first part of the 20th century. However, this effect has now reversed, and IQ scores are decreasing. The authors argue that this reversal is particularly concerning, as it suggests that the genes responsible for intelligence are becoming less common in the population.

Chapter 3: The Rising Tide of Idiocracy

In this chapter, Dutton and Woodley of Menie explore the possible causes of declining intelligence. They suggest that the increasing prevalence of lower-IQ individuals in the population, coupled with trends in mate selection, have contributed to this decline. The authors also highlight the role of dysgenic fertility, which occurs when higher-IQ individuals have fewer children, while lower-IQ individuals have more.

To illustrate this point, the authors present the example of a highly intelligent couple, Bob and Lucy, who decide not to have children due to their career aspirations. In contrast, their less intelligent neighbors, John and Karen, have multiple children. Over time, this pattern results in the dilution and eventual disappearance of the genes responsible for intelligence.

Chapter 4: The Anitinkle Effect

In the fourth chapter, Dutton and Woodley of Menie explore the impact of technology and modern society on intelligence decline. They argue that technology has made life easier and more comfortable, reducing the need for individuals to use their intelligence. Modern society also rewards conformity and discourages critical thinking, creating an environment that is not conducive to the development of high intelligence.

To support this argument, the authors use the example of social media and how it has changed the way people interact with each other. They suggest that the constant distraction and immediacy of social media have made it challenging for individuals to engage in deep, critical thinking. This can have a detrimental effect on intelligence levels over time.

Chapter 5: The Age of the Dimwits

In the final chapter, Dutton and Woodley of Menie discuss the potential consequences of intelligence decline for society. They suggest that lower intelligence levels will lead to decreased innovation, economic decline, and the potential for societal collapse. The authors also highlight the role of social welfare policies, which often incentivize lower-IQ individuals to have more children and further contribute to the decline.

To exemplify these consequences, the authors refer to the case of Ancient Egypt, where a decline in intelligence is believed to have contributed to the collapse of the civilization. They argue that a similar fate may await the Western world if intelligence decline is not addressed.

In conclusion, "At Our Wits' End" presents a compelling argument for the decline in intelligence levels and its potential consequences for society. The authors use real-life examples to illustrate their points and urge readers to examine their own behaviors and choices to prevent further decline in intelligence.