Many tend to say that Japanese and other Asians are much more intelligent than Westerners, etc. Is that really true? When we talk about Japan, we see a society full of technology and innovative inventions, 90% of the population educated at the higher education level, and a civilized and educated people. Indeed, the intelligence of the Japanese is widely recognized around the world.
In this article, we will try to understand what makes the Japanese so intelligent. We will try to see if there really is a difference between the intelligence of Westerners and Easterners. Do they really have a higher IQ and are superior to Westerners?
Table of Contents
Do Japanese have a higher IQ?
Many articles or people tend to say that Japanese or Asians in general have a higher IQ than Westerners and other races. A completely erroneous and racist idea that harms both Westerners and the Japanese themselves.
This generalized idea that says Japanese are intelligent ends up creating an obligation for Japanese people that doesn’t exist, especially for those living in the West. There are already many complaints from descendants who receive criticism and pressure.
This is not to mention that IQ is something individual and not defined by race or appearance. Japanese people can indeed have a high IQ, just like Brazilians, Mexicans, Africans, and others; it all depends on the brain and the life the person leads.
Now, there is no scientific study that claims that Japanese have a naturally high IQ, genetically or whatever you might be imagining. In fact, the creative capacity of Brazilians impresses me much more.
It’s not intelligence, it’s effort and education
There is no difference in IQ or superiority between Japanese and Westerners. All this intelligence that draws the attention of the whole world is the result of education and culture. Anyone can have this so-called Japanese intelligence; the important thing is to have the effort!
If we think from another angle, Japanese people shouldn’t be intelligent. Japan isolated itself for a long time from the rest of the world, lived in war, uses ideograms in their language that is also really simplistic, and still eats with chopsticks.
The entire Japanese culture and education they receive influence their lifestyle. If we look from another angle, we can ask, are Japanese people intelligent or is our nation just too stupid?
We live in a country where most young people don’t care at all about gaining knowledge; they just waste their lives selfishly drinking, using drugs, stealing, and filling their minds with immoral and violent junk like music, TV, and computers.
We find young adults who are not even capable of reading properly, not to mention the number of ignorant and uneducated people that exist, people who only think of themselves, only complain, do not want to accept or hear others’ opinions, and are easily influenced without even thinking about life or the future. This type of person exists all over the world, and they are truly stupid.
It is because of this that Japanese and Asians have the reputation of being intelligent. They lead a lifestyle that is totally different from ours, practicing omotenashi, being humble, polite, and thinking of others instead of themselves. Of course, there are exceptions!
Other influences on Japanese intelligence
The Japanese language stimulates memory – The Japanese writing gives them better memory, an intelligence of another level; they can see a world that we do not see, truly understand the meaning of each word due to the combination of ideograms and word formation in the Japanese language.
The diet of Easterners – Easterners really eat well; fish and vegetables are very good for physical and mental health. They avoid fat, salt, and sugar and season their food in a different yet very juicy way. Japanese cuisine is rich in omega-3 and various other vitamins that even help maintain youth.
Independence from childhood – From childhood, children are encouraged to be independent and responsible. They go to school alone and clean classrooms and even bathrooms. This independence and responsibility greatly influence a person’s decisions and life, allowing them to focus on doing truly useful things.
Cooperation in groups – Contrary to what people think, Japanese people are not usually individualistic; they always work together. In Japan, one helps the other, and it is worth remembering that two heads think better than one. Japan has a great spirit of teamwork.
Everything in Japan makes life easier – Everything in Japan is designed to make life easier for the Japanese, from train stations, convenience stores, restaurants, and lunch boxes to vending machines and much more. Having life made easier helps a lot when it comes to using the brain for more important things that require intelligence.
Are all Japanese like this?
Let’s not generalize; just as many Brazilians lead an educated and respectful lifestyle, many Japanese lead a stupid and selfish lifestyle. Just because a person is Japanese does not mean they will be proper, like to study, and obey all the rules.
Japan is one of the countries with the biggest problems of bullying; many suicides occur due to the social pressure that people suffer. Not to mention that there is still traditionalism and hierarchy within the country.
Japan has major problems with gambling addiction, horse betting, anime, and games. The result of this is many people isolated at home, not working and being supported by their parents.
Not to mention the number of men who have replaced relationships with women for machines and virtual characters. We cannot define people or a country because of a few; all people are different.
Shame – One of the things that makes Japanese people strive, dedicate themselves, and give their best is shame. Some avoid making mistakes and are ashamed of becoming failures. This is something that has existed in Japan since the time of the samurai; some even committed suicide by performing seppuku after making a serious mistake.
Ethical and moral values – As already mentioned, my opinion is that the main reason Westerners are less intelligent than Easterners is that they do not value ethical and moral values as much.
This is quite important in life; it is the lack of this that has destroyed everyone today. Even imperfect Japanese people strive to provide the best public service, to be fair and honest, to work in teams, to strive and improve, to be humble, to respect, and to have gratitude. All the intelligence and success of the Japanese is due to this.
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