34. Are Humans Smarter or Stupider Than We Used to Be?

In this episode of "No Stupid Questions," Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner explore the question of whether humans are becoming smarter or stupider. They discuss the Flynn effect, which indicates a rise in IQ scores over generations, and debate whether this increase in intelligence is being effectively applied to solve societal problems. They touch on the role of nutrition, genetics, and environmental factors in cognitive development, as well as the impact of technology and social media on how we use our intellect. Later, they answer a listener question about curiosity, defining it and discussing ways to cultivate it, while also addressing the barriers that inhibit curiosity as people age.