It is well known that Jews have achieved remarkable results in academic and intellectual fields, and there are many different perspectives on the reasons for this. In general, “high intelligence” cannot be explained by a single factor, but is a complex combination of genetic, cultural, and historical factors.
1. Cultural and Religious Background
Judaism has a tradition of emphasizing education and learning. From ancient times, Jewish leaders and scholars focused on the study of the Bible and religious literature known as the Talmud, emphasizing logical thinking and debate. This led to a culture in which children were expected to be educated and intellectually trained from an early age.
2. Historical Factors and Occupational Choices
Historically, Jews were locked out of occupations such as agriculture and forced to work in professions that required knowledge and skills (commerce, finance, medicine, law, etc.). This increased the importance of learning and knowledge and intellectual training with each passing generation. It is also possible that these occupations required, among other things, calculation, memory, and logical thinking, which may have had an adaptive influence on intelligence.
3. Genetic Factors
Some studies have suggested that Ashkenazim (Eastern European Jews) may have certain genetic variations related to intelligence. However, the study of genetic factors is still unclear compared to social and historical factors, and the impact of these factors continues to be debated. It is difficult to explain high intelligence by genetic factors alone, and culture and environment are still thought to have a strong influence.
4. The Value Of Education And Support Within The Community
In the Jewish community, education and learning are further encouraged because of a social climate that highly values learning and knowledge. Support and encouragement of successful individuals also promotes individual intellectual development. This creates an environment in which the community as a whole is more likely to develop its intellectual capacities.
The Relationship Between Kinship and Intelligence among Ashkenazim Jews
There are several interesting perspectives on the possibility that Ashkenazim Jews’ consanguineous marriages are related to their intelligence. The historical background of Ashkenazim Jews is known to have had a relatively high incidence of consanguineous marriages (marriages between relatives), which may have had genetic effects.
1. Fixation Of Genetic Characteristics
As a result of Ashkenazim Jews intermarrying within relatively closed communities for long periods of time, certain genetic traits are more likely to become fixed. It is possible that genetic variations that may affect intelligence spread within the population, resulting in higher average intelligence. However, this is not definitive, and cultural factors and the educational environment are also thought to have a significant impact.
2. Increased Genetic Disease And “Heterozygous Dominance”
It is known that certain genetic diseases are more common among Ashkenazim Jews due to inbreeding. Metabolic diseases such as Tay-Sachs disease and Gaucher disease are prime examples. Some studies suggest that there may be a “heterozygous advantage” where genes involved in these diseases may have a positive effect on neurodevelopment and cognitive function if they are heterozygous (a condition where the pathological gene is inherited from only one parent). It is hypothesized that the pathological gene is not purely pathogenic, but may partially enhance intelligence-related abilities.
3. Selection Pressure Related To Intelligence
In closed communities, academic ability and knowledge necessary for commerce tended to be emphasized, and intellectually superior individuals were often selected for marriage and reproduction. This may have facilitated the reinforcement of genetic traits related to intelligence within the population.
4. Combined Effects With Environment And Culture
In addition to the genetic effects of consanguineous marriage, it is important to note that the Jewish community has long been raised in an intellectual environment, with an emphasis on academic and commercial skills. While inbreeding fixed certain genetic elements, it is more likely that a culture that encouraged learning contributed to the development of intelligence.
Conclusion
Although the tendency toward inbreeding among Ashkenazim Jews may be related to the fixation of certain genetic traits and the hypothesis of “heterozygous dominance” affecting intelligence, intelligence is strongly influenced not only by genetic factors, but also by cultural and environmental factors.
Conclusion
The high intelligence and intellectual achievement of Jews may be the result of a combination of multiple factors, including long-standing historical and cultural backgrounds, the emphasis on education, and the environment created by specific occupational choices.
