ABSTRACT
“Extreme” refers to the upper extreme – 98th percentile and above – on the Bell Curve of human intelligence. This traditional representation of intelligence is explained whereby people’s IQ test scores are plotted relative to each other. Using a Venn diagram of “potential” overlapping with “performance”, it is considered how terms such as intelligence, high ability, giftedness, genius, and talent relate to each other. The importance of intelligence is acknowledged and its controversy, given that different individuals and groups are invested in particular perspectives. It is asked, how do we want to think about extreme intelligence, and why? Challenges in researching intelligence are introduced, giving examples of recruitment of participants and reactions to research findings. The difference between quantitative and qualitative contributions to intelligence research is explained. The book Extreme Intelligence’s unique approach is identified of integrating insights and knowledge from the fields of intelligence, giftedness, genius, and expertise with those from depth psychology. The book’s structure is outlined, incorporating the social development and predicaments of individuals with very high IQ and the implications for them and the world around us. It is explained how the book’s Reflective Prompts probe readers’ personal engagement with the issues involved and provide a teaching resource.
