Dec. 2. - Why Having a PhD Doesn’t Mean You’re a Genius or Even that You Are Intelligent

There is something about seeing “Dr” in front of someone’s name that makes people assume they are exceptionally intelligent. It is an understandable reaction; earning a PhD is no small feat. But let us pause for a moment. Does having a doctorate mean someone is more intelligent, or does it reflect something else? From my experience and what research suggests, it is the latter. A PhD is more about perseverance and dedication than innate brainpower. Intelligence, on the other hand, is a different matter altogether.

PhDs: A Test of Resolve, Not Genius
​Earning a PhD is a testament to the power of perseverance. It takes years of studying, writing, rewriting, and dealing with setbacks. If you have ever spoken to someone in the middle of their doctoral research, you will know it is a gruelling process. Success in this arena is less about being naturally gifted and more about maintaining resolve when the going gets tough.

The work of European educational theorists, such as Lev Vygotsky, offers valuable insights into this distinction. Vygotsky emphasised the role of persistence and collaboration in mastering challenging tasks. His idea of the “zone of proximal development” highlights how individuals often need sustained effort and support to move beyond their current abilities. This aligns with the notion that perseverance, not sheer genius, drives significant academic achievement.

Take this as an example: I have met incredibly bright people who did not finish their PhDs because they lacked the patience or resilience to deal with the endless cycle of research and revisions. Conversely, I have met people of average intelligence who completed their doctorates through sheer persistence and organisation. It is the process that matters, not necessarily intellectual brilliance.

Being Well-Read Does Not Equal Intelligence
Earning a PhD means delving deeply into a specific area of knowledge. You read widely, synthesise ideas, and produce original research. But does being well-read make you intelligent? Not necessarily. Yes, it makes you informed and knowledgeable in your field, but intelligence is about more than simply knowing a lot.

Daniel Kahneman, the psychologist and Nobel laureate, highlights this distinction in Thinking, Fast and Slow. He points out that intelligence is tied to how we think—our ability to problem-solve, adapt, and think critically in new situations. Being well-read, on the other hand, is a product of effort. It is a skill anyone can develop with time and commitment.

For instance, someone with a PhD in history might know everything about a particular war but struggle to solve problems outside their field, such as managing a team at work. Intelligence is more about how we think than what we know.

The Power of Natural Intelligence and Perseverance
One of the most remarkable examples I know of intelligence and perseverance involves someone who grew up in a rough neighbourhood, in a household shattered by domestic violence, where survival, not education, was the priority. To escape these circumstances, they turned to sex work as a means of survival. Today, this same person is a central manager in a major global corporation.

Their journey is a testament to raw intelligence and unrelenting perseverance. Their ability to navigate challenges, adapt to vastly different environments, and succeed where most would falter is unmatched. The practical intelligence they display—solving problems, managing complex relationships, and staying focused on their goals—far outstrips most people I have ever met, regardless of their degrees or credentials.

Their story is a powerful reminder that intelligence and success are not confined to academic corridors. It takes a rare combination of determination, resilience, and creativity to rise above such adversity, qualities that no classroom can teach. It is not just about what you know, but how you apply it and the effort you put in.

The Genetic Factor in Intelligence
This is where it gets controversial. Intelligence, at its core, has a biological basis. Research, such as a study published in Nature Genetics (Plomin et al., 2018), shows that cognitive abilities are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Your ability to think critically or solve problems quickly is often linked to how your brain is wired.
That is why intelligence and academic achievement do not always align. You can be a brilliant problem-solver without stepping foot in a university, just as you can hold a PhD without having Einstein-like intellect. Think of it this way: intelligence is the hardware, and being well-read is the software you install through effort and learning.

Why This Matters
So, why bother making this distinction? Because assuming a PhD equals intelligence does a disservice to the many different forms of brilliance. It undervalues those who did not pursue higher education but still made incredible contributions to society.
Look at people like Steve Jobs, who dropped out of university but changed how we interact with technology. Or consider tradespeople who use creativity and problem-solving to build our homes or repair our cars. Intelligence is everywhere—it is not confined to lecture halls or research labs. It can be found in the artistic skills of a painter, the emotional intelligence of a therapist, or the strategic thinking of a business leader.

What I Have Learned
Over the years, I have come to see a PhD for what it is: proof that someone can stick with something challenging, not evidence that they are smarter than everyone else. Intelligence is more about adaptability, creativity, and solving problems; these traits do not require a diploma to shine through.

So, next time you meet someone with a PhD, respect their hard work—but do not automatically assume they are a genius. And if you are someone without an advanced degree, remember that intelligence comes in many forms. Whether solving everyday problems, thinking outside the box, or making the world a better place, your actions, not your titles, truly reflect your brilliance.
And is that not a much better way to understand someone?

博士号は必ずしも天才や知性の証ではありません。それはむしろ忍耐と努力の成果です。知性は問題解決や適応力に現れ、学歴だけで測れるものではありません。人生の成功は、学んだことをどう活用し、困難をどう乗り越えるかにかかっています。真の価値は、肩書きではなく、行動や結果に反映されるものです。

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