It has been statistically proven that the first born child has a distinct advantage in mathematical abilities. This can also be seen in observation if you consider your own acquaintances. Now then, a recent university study made an interesting finding in their data. It appears that babies conceived in June, July and August have a 1 to 1.5% advantage in their mathematical abilities.
Their data seems to be pretty worthy and it is relevant, but the question is why, why is this the case? Why are babies born at a certain times, better at math then others born at different times? Now then, one would have to ask if it is a temperature issue? Or maybe the mothers are moving around less or more during pregnancy due to climate, if babies are conceived at a different time, during early child development this might have something to do with it?
If that is the case then there is the off-cycles places like AZ where winter is like summer or those who are snow birds and never truly realize a winter? What about Australia, is the scenario reversed? Or if it is something regarding being further or closer to the sun? Yes, well if we take this premise, we can divide out those who are first born with certain birth days and we can find those who are the best suited for a pool of applicants to choose from, when looking for the best mathematicians for our civilization?
Of course, perseverance always trumps all, it is the "Gatica" wild-card, and you can never underestimate it. I always vote for strength of character. Question is where do you find it, strength of character, perseverance and will? Now then, we find those hard core winners and individuals with those who are first born and have birthdays that fall in range with the conception of June, July or August.
So, where do we find those who have perseverance, will and strength of character? I'd say in competition, is where it comes out. Those who pursue and work hardest, do shine too? So what if you had the birth order (first born), conception time (birth date) and then competition (debate, chess, sports, music competitions) at early ages before 6 and in the teens between 15-19 years old, now some brains form late so could be well into the 25 years old. Also remember the sharpest minds are young minds, that is when they come up with the break- thrus right? All interesting, but if I was designing a system to find high IQ math ability, I'd factor all this in.
Let's start with a 1,000 person test group and test for a probability against the research? If so, then move on to implement such a strategy for the future of the nation. Eventually these people will filter to the top anyway, as we must realize that if you work 10% harder than everyone else you shine 50%, if you work 100% harder than everyone else, you just end far out in front of the pack. Of course, if we find these people early, in childhood years, we can indeed nurture them through coaching and extra emphasis on mathematics.
Whatever the case I believe that this is of interest to locating the best math minds and WE NEED THEM for so many things, everything from NanoTech and Cyber Warfare Defense to aeronautics, medicine, NASA and nuclear physics. Think about it.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance Winslow's Bio
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