I was a member of Mensa briefly but found it boring and so let my membership lapse.
My early reading history, in order:
- a few childhood stories read by my father,
- textbooks from school,
- comic books! I didn't have money to buy them but found that if I went into the store while the staff were busy (before and after school) serving customers, no one noticed that I was blasting thru the latest Superman.
I paid attention in class, made good grades but didn't study much, nor did I read books unless absolutely forced to. I probably read fewer than 4 books before college. I was conscripted by my father to assist him in carpentry and auto repair (which taught me a great deal about how the world works).
I credit DC Comics for giving me a high reading speed, the ability to concentrate (possibly I should say "to attend"!8-)) and consequently, any "high IQ" that allowed me to score well on tests, win awards, make good grades and join Mensa years later. I also credit being my father's apprentice.
tl;dr Reading books on a list, even a Mensa list, will not likely make you smart.
Comments
I was a member of Mensa briefly but found it boring and so let my membership lapse.
My early reading history, in order:
- a few childhood stories read by my father, - textbooks from school, - comic books! I didn't have money to buy them but found that if I went into the store while the staff were busy (before and after school) serving customers, no one noticed that I was blasting thru the latest Superman.
I paid attention in class, made good grades but didn't study much, nor did I read books unless absolutely forced to. I probably read fewer than 4 books before college. I was conscripted by my father to assist him in carpentry and auto repair (which taught me a great deal about how the world works).
I credit DC Comics for giving me a high reading speed, the ability to concentrate (possibly I should say "to attend"!8-)) and consequently, any "high IQ" that allowed me to score well on tests, win awards, make good grades and join Mensa years later. I also credit being my father's apprentice.
tl;dr Reading books on a list, even a Mensa list, will not likely make you smart.