Have you ever thought about what makes human intelligent? Is it our ability to solve complex math problems, our memory recall, or our linguistic fluency? While these are certainly important aspects of intelligence, according to author David McRaney, a lot of what we consider evidence of our intelligence is actually part of a vast cultural intelligence.

Cultural intelligence refers to our ability to navigate and understand the complex social and cultural norms that surround us. It encompasses our knowledge of societal rules, customs, and traditions, as well as our ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Think about it - if you were dropped into a foreign country where you don't know the language or customs, your mathematical or linguistic intelligence would be of little use to you. However, if you had a high level of cultural intelligence, you would be able to adapt quickly, understand the local customs, and communicate effectively with the locals.

McRaney argues that many of the things we consider to be evidence of our intelligence, such as our ability to solve crossword puzzles or score high on standardised tests, are actually indicators of our cultural intelligence. These skills are often acquired through exposure to a particular cultural environment or education system, rather than being innate markers of intelligence.

Recognising the importance of cultural intelligence can help us better appreciate and understand the diverse perspectives and experiences of those around us.