Is the human species getting smarter?

Answer 1

This depends on how you define "smart".

If smart depends on our ability to solve problems and achieve abstract reasoning, then no, we are (as individuals) about the same. However, as there are more of us, we see more innovation, so on the whole, as a complete species, we are getting smarter as there are more of us to solve problems.

If smart is defined by our ability to work with technology, then also, the answer is no, we are the same as we've ever been on an individual basis. I see students coming to the University where I work who have never been on computers, and so have difficulty using them - as much difficulty as any person from antiquity would have, I'm sure. However, again, as more technology is out there, then maybe yes.

Is smart the ability to reason, to solve problems? Or is it factored in with learnt knowledge, building on what is already known? I'm quite certain that a bunch of humans from 5000 years ago, taken to our times, and given the same experiences and knowledge we have, would do just as well as the rest of us, and vice versa. However, without the pre-exisitng knowledge, the innovations a few individuals have achieved in the past, we would not be able to invent, say, the microwave.

I think, all in all, we are not getting smarter, just more knowledgeable.

Answer 2

If what you mean by smart is "intelligent", then definitely yes. If what you mean by smart is "educated" , then most probably. If what you mean by smart is "Wise", then maybe.

Societies are being bombarded by many chemicals, including toxins, these pollutants are killing some of the population, but sparing those members that are intelligent enough to recognize the dangers and act on their findings by fleeing for shelter where they can, when they can, however they can.

This process has a way of cultivating the human species. What seed remains will be "the cream of the crop": A smarter human.

Keep in mind, these smarter humans, may not be able to realize their new potential, until they can free themselves completely from mind stumbling substances. Never-the-less a higher potential is still there even if it does not show up in human accomplishments and accepted methods of measurements (I.Q. tests etc.).

Answer 3

Perfectly backed is exactly right you would think we would be getting smarter but alas no even with the really great help of people like Nostradamus we still fluck it up. lolz we will go the same way as the dinosaur and to be fair for the benefit of all the other species that will be a great day.

Answer 4

Actually I think that a half of human species get smarter & another one degradaces

Answer 5

I believe so. If you look at it logically, we know more now than we ever have. We are a more informed species. I think it's the ability to learn from our history and also, the intrigue of the human mind to drive us forward into an undetermined future. But i have to say sometimes i do question that fact when i see the stupid things people do... sometimes it's like history repeating itself!

Answer 6

No .. kids are getting dumbed down..many can't spell,read,write or do simple math...people are so foolish to believe whatever the news tells us..and never seek for the truth.The world has become very lazy when it comes to learning....our history books in the USA have been rewriten by many who want to make us out to be the devil incarnate...kids garduate every year without the basic skills needed to survive..many still live with their parents or off them,as they can not find jobs due to their lack of skills.
Teachers are not as educated as they were 50 years ago.More time is spent with them learning the way to preach their own beliefs about their personal opinons..many themselves can not spell or do proper gramar,passing their ignorance on to the next generation.
I homeschool my 10 year old...he has scored 7 post college ,4 post high school... the other kid I teach is 13...he was educated (oxymoron) in a public school system..when he was first tested he score belong 3 rd grade level in all his classes. I went back to basics with all the rules of spelling ,gramar and math...at the end of the year he scored 9th grade level,which us where he should be..

Answer 7

Yes, the combination improved education plus advance information technology result in more intelligent people.

The average 13 year old school boy would outsmart a graduate in 1900. I am assuming ability to spell and do arithmetics is factored in.

There may be an evolutionary reason for it, such as to migrate into outer space and colonise other planets.

Answer 8

Over all, I would say we're not. Someone mentioned peace, the other factor would be living in harmony with the Earth. And with the over population and the amount of nature that is being destroyed, I don't think so.
Technology is only one aspect of intelligence, the other is being able to live in harmony with your environment. On the latter, the world is doing poorly.
But then, a sufficient amount of technology requires the destruction of land to strip mine the heavy metals necessary to produce them. This can also pollute aquifers and destroy habitats.

Answer 9

No. The human brain has remained effectively the same for thousands and thousands of years--our ability to process/store/analyze information is unchanged. It would be fair to say that our cumulative knowledge is increasing, which makes us appear smarter. However, we are becoming specialists--we know and rely on modern technology for everything. Take modern technology away and we could't survive as our ancestors did (even our hunters and farmers rely decidedly on modern technology).

Answer 10

The species as a whole is passing through degredation of the applied understanding.

Few people choose to pursue knowledge while a far greater proportion choose to rely on others.