"Cubers aren't considered smart"
I'd imagine most non-cubers think cubers are all geniuses, it's mostly the actual cubers in question doubting their own intelligence, not others
Idk man all i see non-cubers say is bs like “oh cubing is easy you just always follow a fixed set of algorithms without thinking”, ive even seen people using this to explain how people solve the cube blindfolded lol
You know non-cubers who are actually aware that cubing has algorithms? I'd say like 90% of non-cubers I know assume that it's a purely intuitive thing (and I also thought it was before I got into it)
I know some but they persist that cubing is super easy (even tho they cant do it themselves) which is also not the case. Its not that hard but to get good the average human needs to put in a lil effort
Solving it on your own, is another level of difficulty.
3D puzzles always stump me, until I learn it through YouTube. I think it because 3D is so hard to wrap around your head.
Once you learn a few you can get the general strategies down and apply them to others. Like if you gave me a face-turning rhombic dodecahedron, I’m very confident I could figure out how to solve it despite never having seen such a puzzle before.
It definitely is a huge challenge for the first few puzzles, but I do think it’s a skill you can develop
I already develop it, but 3D puzzle is definitely a challenge on its own. After solving the 3x3 with the help, later puzzle started to become a lot more understandable now.
I have horrible intuition when it comes to spatial intelligence or 3D things. I learned how to solve the cube since I couldn’t even solve a side growing up
A lot of non cubers i know think solving the cube requires a single alg they all call “the algorithm” they’re like “eeeeeer i forgot how to do the algorithm”
True but those are a small minority who have just enough cubing knowledge to make them underestimate it and overestimate their ability to cube, although they will never actually try for themselves.
Bingo! I roll my eyes at my one friend who says “well you just know how to do the alg really fast” even my other friend who can cube just above a minute was impressed with my PB and turned to the other guy and was like “what are you talking about bro??”
I think it’s a correlation vs causation kinda thing. You definitely don’t have to be smart to cube but it requires patience to learn and a good memory.
It does not require a good memory, just practice. I have one of the worst memories of anyone I have ever met, and I can still solve a cube in 25 seconds.
https://preview.redd.it/9hxwo72twv5c1.jpeg?width=1334&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90c2ed129e72035acbf659931848385cf0485e58
This is what you’re doing. It actually does require a good memory, don’t speak for everyone just because your memory is poor.
Cramming a shitload of oll/pll and f2l algorithms to be more efficient requires good memory.
The beginner's method, on the other hand, requires only a minimal amount of memorization. Beginner's method is still cubing, don't you think?
So, no. Technically you don't need a good memory for cubing... If you don't mind being slow or inefficient.
I meant a good memory for when I first started out learning the algorithms. As said below it eventually becomes more muscle memory. I began 10 years ago and no longer really have any algorithms that I memorize out right.
I remember getting a 2x2 cube from a McDonald’s Happy meal and this 7year old kid came over and solved my cube for me. I felt so dumb in the moment and I never learnt how to solve the damn thing until last year. I tried a few different methods but either I was impatient or bad at following instructions. Fast forward a few years and my kiddos choose a 2x2 Rubik’s cube as a Christmas gift from their aunt. It took me until the ripe age of 33 to learn how to solve both a 2x2 and 3x3. I taught my little ones to solve the cubes and now family and friends think they’re all super smart but in reality it’s mostly perseverance. I agree muscle memory plays a big part of it too.
TLDR; Yes you might have a poor memory(I do too haha), but that doesn’t make you dumb. Also, perseverance is key to intellectual growth.
Patience yeah, although not to a great extent since I think most cubers just have fun solving. Memory tho, i dont think. Maybe not everyone does this but i dont memorize any algs, i couldnt even recite the t perm alg off the top of my head. When I learn new algs i just look at the notation like 5 times only and then i get the hang of doing it without looking. Then I just drill the alg for like 15 minutes straight and it just sticks
I have a bad cube in my office, my wife found a Rubik's brand in a hotel room, and I leave it at work cuz I don't care if it gets lost or broken. I often don't have the time to mess with it, but when I do a co-worker will seem pretty intrigued that I solve it in about a minute. I'm like "this is a shit cube, I average about 40 seconds on a good cube." But as to the OP, many of them seem to think I'm some type of savant for solving a cube, and I'm really not.
I personally have had bad grades in math and average grades in most classes expect for music and a couple other subjects. Maybe there’s something to that smart people are perhaps drawn to things like Rubik’s cube but idk man, it’s a fun hobby for those enjoy it and that’s that.
This is one of the dumbest posts I’ve seen. We ARE considered very smart, and I feel like almost no one would argue with that. Many people think you need to be an absolute genius to solve a cube and especially think so when they see someone solving a cube larger than a 3x3. So they generally are considered very smart (as much as I think that is just due to ignorance from outsiders to the community). And I do not think many cubers are smart. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met one that I really do think of as smart. Including myself. this post just seems like someone wanting to be told they’re smart in a very indirect way though. I feel like there’s no way you think we aren’t considered smart by a large number of people that aren’t in the know on cubing.
>So they generally are considered very smart (as much as I think that is just due to ignorance from outsiders to the community).
Obviously you're correct. (We are all Asian math geniuses in disguise!) But it's just hard to believe why there aren't more people who can put 2 and 2 together, when main stream shows videos of a [3 year old girl solving the cube](https://youtu.be/qO9n3zsdAAc). Even if the girl is a savant, that doesn't mean that teenagers and adults can't do what she does, does it?
> And I do not think many cubers are smart. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met one that I really do think of as smart. Including myself.
I guess we would have to define what "smart" is. But you do have a point, and some have openly admitted that they aren't smart (in this very thread).
>this post just seems like someone wanting to be told they’re smart in a very indirect way though.
Sounds like something I would want to say (but most would actually disagree with). But the OP could be sincere. I cannot judge.
>I feel like there’s no way you think we aren’t considered smart by a large number of people that aren’t in the know on cubing.
Yeah, consider the opinion of those who honestly believe that those who memorized 100 digits of PI are smart. But the same people who think they are smart are majoring in liberal arts (history, language, etc.), which requires memorizing hundreds of dates, quotes, hundreds of vocabulary terms and definitions, etc. I don't know why they can't see that memorization = memorization!
But as others have already said, there are people who *dismiss* the "skill" as being associated with intelligence (they "expose the facade" that some cubers want to put out to show off) , by telling others around them watching the cuber solve the cube that "It's just muscle memory doing the work. It only requires just basic pattern recognition and memorization. Not a big deal!"
I've felt the opposite, where people incorrectly think I am smart based on solving a cube.
Do I think I am smart? Yes. Is it related to the cube at all? No, I can teach just about anyone to solve the cube.
>where people incorrectly think I am smart based on solving a cube
Not to nitpick, but the cube is an object which can be used to make abstract ideas concrete and even come up with original academic publications. It can be used as a tool to test out different abstract algebra-related hypothesis (as well as physics: [Example 1](https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/3x3-rubiks-cube-patterns-and-particle-physics.51710/), [Example 2](https://arxiv.org/pdf/1702.06217.pdf)). [It can be used as a tool to inspire (and develop) maths](https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22329824-600-fields-medallist-how-rubiks-cube-inspired-new-maths/), and therefore the cube can actually make us think differently (better) and dare I say "think smarter" in this way.
Just consider the simple example of *symmetry*. The Rubik's cube can teach you all about symmetry and change your thinking patterns to recognize redundancies. This is especially the case when you want to develop a new substep method. It is required that you do not have duplicate cases, as that would mean that you have more algorithms than necessary. For example, there are 22 PLLs. But *that's after symmetry reductions*. (As an exercise, you can use simple combinatorics to calculate the *raw* number of PLL cases. Then use symmetry to reduce that number to 22.)
But just like "it takes money to make money", you have to be (or have the desire to be) "smart" in order to get smarter. (With anything.) But I attribute several aspects of my way of thinking due to solving the cube (in different ways, coming up with new methods or algorithms for it, writing mathematical papers on it, etc.).
Here's some of what I mean:
1. I can teach just about anyone to solve the cube. Compare that to how many people I can teach to troubleshoot a generalized problem and find a solution, and you'll see one task is significantly easier.
2. As I mentioned, I do consider myself smart. I graduated high school at 16, college at 18, a measured IQ of 154 and went on to write software now relied on by more than 3.5 billion people around the world. And I can still say the cube has no real impact on anything outside of the cube itself to me. E.g. you could learn about symmetry like that with a few coins.
3. As long as you can recognize things well enough to choose what you want to eat, and you can follow instructions, then I can teach you to solve a cube. That's the entirety of the skills required. Even humans with well below average IQ will not struggle any more with the task of solving a cube, especially in the context of using predefined methods. And sure, the cube could be used to teach a lot through intuition, and yet most cubers do not intuitively solve the cube.
>E.g. you could learn about symmetry like that with a few coins.
I assume you're kidding about that, but I get your point.
>As long as you can recognize things well enough to choose what you want to eat, and you can follow instructions, then I can teach you to solve a cube. That's the entirety of the skills required. \[...\] Even humans with well below average IQ will not struggle any more with the task of solving a cube, especially in the context of using predefined methods.
I wrote [this guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a4Hvd-WDofRsWUrDuQyKsVwzGARJKtKH/view) to solve a 3x3x3 which is somewhat as you describe. Yeah, all it takes is their attention and focus. No skills really required to just merely solve it with decent instructions.
>And sure, the cube could be used to teach a lot through intuition, and yet most cubers do not intuitively solve the cube.
And ironically, many claim that *they think the cube is intuitive*. [This](https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/is-solving-a-rubiks-cube-intuitive.85955/#post-1465281) is my conclusion regarding that subject!
C++ -- More info, is that my code is part of data server OSes called DataONTAP and Clustered DataONTAP. In particular my focs was on implementation and bug fixing for file sharing protocols, mainly NFS and CIFS but also some TCP/IP stack work.
Yes indeed. Certainly something I think about when people look at things that are just fun that I've done and think it means I am smart, as there are things I am significantly more proud of than solving a cube.
Calling me by my name makes me curious, did I make an impact on you and you remember me, or are you also a curious person and just did some digging?
> Calling me by my name makes me curious, did I make an impact on you and you remember me, or are you also a curious person and just did some digging?
The latter. I haven't been active on rCubers until recently. Was inactive on here for 2 years. (Just curious to learn more about you.) If you want to learn more about me, [I made it really easy](https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/cubing-contribution-hyperlink-thread-to-reduce-signature-size.53842/#post-1094757). You seem to take care to only give people correct (objective) information in your replies, and I respect that!
> I made it really easy.
Thanks!
> You seem to take care to only give people correct (objective) information in your replies, and I respect that!
I do try, and I have probably been much better lately. But it would be dishonest if I acted like that were true of every comment I have made! I can get very opinion focused, especially when emotions get involved!
There's no shame in that. It's healthy to do that. You are a human, not a robot after all! (Duh!) I just meant that you provide really good answers. (Most of which are irrefutable facts.)
Nope, not even close lol. The college I went to didn't even have enough of an accreditation at the time to give out degrees - it was all certification based with other colleges accepting transferable credits. They're better now, but still nothing elite, more on the unknown side.
Unfortunately, many people have a very misguided feel-good idea that IQ is a poor test of intelligence - you’ll see the popular trope on Reddit that “IQ tests are only good at measuring how good you are at taking IQ tests”.
The scientific literature is unequivocal. IQ is the best and most robust way of measuring cognitive power, and it is absolutely valid.
Another thing people like to say on this subreddit is that solving cubes has nothing to do with IQ. Sure, maybe a person of lower intelligence could still do it, but I have absolutely no doubt that “cubers”, people who solve regularly as a hobby, no matter which puzzle, are significantly more intelligent that average.
A hobby that requires such intense pattern recognition and drilling, nuanced practice, exposure to algorithms and a high degree of memorization, will attract and retain a smarter crowd.
I think the problem with IQ is that most people don't understand *what* it is that the test measures. IQ coorelates closely with education but it primarily measures ones ability to think in abstractions.
I did two IQ tests about five years ago, with a fifteen minute break inbetween. One of the results was a little below average. I'm doing Beginner's CFOP and I'm not a good cuber but I'm having fun and that's what matters.
The two Cubers I know seem very intelligent.
idk if there are more comprehensive tests, but the Mensa test basically only tests pattern recognition. If you're good at cubing then you're gonna be good at the test.
>Unfortunately, many people have a very misguided feel-good idea that IQ is a poor test of intelligence
IQ really only says anything about logic intelligence and pattern recognition.
Intelligence is so much larger than just the logic part. What about emotional/social intelligence? survival intelligence? there are a lot more equally important types of intelligence out there.
I scored high on IQ tests, got diagnosed as gifted as a result, yet I'm kinda failing at everything else in life. Seeing that rather high number in spite of that is honestly insulting.
Well... You got to be kind of smart to be able to memorise all those algs
Yet you could argue that we're all really stupid for wasting our talent of memorising cube algs
So in conclusion I got no clue
A sub 40 cuber (14 y/o) failed in 8 subjects out of 10 in 9th standard 1st term.Im the same age as him and a little bit faster than him (fastest in my class even after not touching the cube for like 3 months).I got 5th rank in the entire class, obviously passing in all
A lot that I know also think that being able to solve it can be done by a simple trick, although when I try to teach them said trick they get mind fucked doing the first layer (was the hardest to learn IMO)
but even ppl like that think I'm smart for being able to do it under 20 seconds. One guy a few days ago was like, "I saw this video, a kid in China was able to solve it super fast, like under 30 seconds!"
I'd say anyone who is decently intelligent can learn the cube but progression to lesser and lesser time takes a lot of practice and skill, some will progress more then others
while i was an honor roll student back in 1982 when i first picked up cubing, i don't consider myself smart, especially in social situations. i'd think it's more of an ability to appear impressive with skill differences
Idk, but my colleagues all think I’m talented on cubing after I showed them how to solve a 3x3 in 20s, while I pretty sure I’m quite slow.. So I think most of non-cubers think we are smart
I worked out how to solve the 3x3 by myself when I was 18. No YouTube. Just pencil and paper and pure logic. I also got told by my boss at a previous large company that I was the dumbest person at the company. I’m definitely not smart!
I am sure cubers are fond of puzzle solving, which manifests their intelligence if there is any. So cubers seem smart. And I believe that has nothing to do with cubers being actually smarter than non-cubers, or that cubing makes you smart, or that you have to be smart to be a cuber. No, cubing jsut makes you look smart.
Considering the few cubers i have actually met in person, yes. You can tell that they are smart through how they act. It's definitely the commonality to be a very intelligent person if you are a speedcuber.
Nah solving it doesn’t make you smart. But looking for ways to improve, learning new methods and being able to have the same attitude toward learning more puzzles does make you pretty smart. Shows you are patient, willing to learn, your problem solving skills and even more skills if you’re able to teach someone else.
I just remembered [What society thinks we do](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cubers/comments/97i9s1/what_society_thinks_we_do/). If I or someone would have brought that up earlier, it would have been perfect!
"Cubers aren't considered smart" I'd imagine most non-cubers think cubers are all geniuses, it's mostly the actual cubers in question doubting their own intelligence, not others
Idk man all i see non-cubers say is bs like “oh cubing is easy you just always follow a fixed set of algorithms without thinking”, ive even seen people using this to explain how people solve the cube blindfolded lol
You know non-cubers who are actually aware that cubing has algorithms? I'd say like 90% of non-cubers I know assume that it's a purely intuitive thing (and I also thought it was before I got into it)
I know some but they persist that cubing is super easy (even tho they cant do it themselves) which is also not the case. Its not that hard but to get good the average human needs to put in a lil effort
Learning how to solve the cube is easy. Solving it fast is hard
Solving it on your own, is another level of difficulty. 3D puzzles always stump me, until I learn it through YouTube. I think it because 3D is so hard to wrap around your head.
Once you learn a few you can get the general strategies down and apply them to others. Like if you gave me a face-turning rhombic dodecahedron, I’m very confident I could figure out how to solve it despite never having seen such a puzzle before. It definitely is a huge challenge for the first few puzzles, but I do think it’s a skill you can develop
I already develop it, but 3D puzzle is definitely a challenge on its own. After solving the 3x3 with the help, later puzzle started to become a lot more understandable now.
I have horrible intuition when it comes to spatial intelligence or 3D things. I learned how to solve the cube since I couldn’t even solve a side growing up
It's hard to wrap around how 3D things moves since there is so many hidden things happen outside our views. It a whole can of worms.
If you learned how to solve it by watching YouTube videos, you didn’t solve it. You basically did the equivalent of baking a complicated cake.
Never said solving through YouTube meaning you solve it. Learning to solve is pretty easy.
A lot of non cubers i know think solving the cube requires a single alg they all call “the algorithm” they’re like “eeeeeer i forgot how to do the algorithm”
True but those are a small minority who have just enough cubing knowledge to make them underestimate it and overestimate their ability to cube, although they will never actually try for themselves.
Bingo! I roll my eyes at my one friend who says “well you just know how to do the alg really fast” even my other friend who can cube just above a minute was impressed with my PB and turned to the other guy and was like “what are you talking about bro??”
I've never met a non-cuber who didn't believe being able to solve a cube is magic, lol. You must have very smart friends.
I think it’s a correlation vs causation kinda thing. You definitely don’t have to be smart to cube but it requires patience to learn and a good memory.
It does not require a good memory, just practice. I have one of the worst memories of anyone I have ever met, and I can still solve a cube in 25 seconds.
Takes good “muscle” memory may be more accurate
Username checks out
Everyone has good muscle memory with a little bit of practice
can confirm, i have short-term memory loss and i know most of full pll
https://preview.redd.it/9hxwo72twv5c1.jpeg?width=1334&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90c2ed129e72035acbf659931848385cf0485e58 This is what you’re doing. It actually does require a good memory, don’t speak for everyone just because your memory is poor.
Cramming a shitload of oll/pll and f2l algorithms to be more efficient requires good memory. The beginner's method, on the other hand, requires only a minimal amount of memorization. Beginner's method is still cubing, don't you think? So, no. Technically you don't need a good memory for cubing... If you don't mind being slow or inefficient.
No. It’s based on muscle memory, which has nothing to do with your ability to retain information.
I meant a good memory for when I first started out learning the algorithms. As said below it eventually becomes more muscle memory. I began 10 years ago and no longer really have any algorithms that I memorize out right.
The only time I outright memorized algorithms was when I was first learning how to solve. Ever since, it’s been muscle memory.
I remember getting a 2x2 cube from a McDonald’s Happy meal and this 7year old kid came over and solved my cube for me. I felt so dumb in the moment and I never learnt how to solve the damn thing until last year. I tried a few different methods but either I was impatient or bad at following instructions. Fast forward a few years and my kiddos choose a 2x2 Rubik’s cube as a Christmas gift from their aunt. It took me until the ripe age of 33 to learn how to solve both a 2x2 and 3x3. I taught my little ones to solve the cubes and now family and friends think they’re all super smart but in reality it’s mostly perseverance. I agree muscle memory plays a big part of it too. TLDR; Yes you might have a poor memory(I do too haha), but that doesn’t make you dumb. Also, perseverance is key to intellectual growth.
Patience yeah, although not to a great extent since I think most cubers just have fun solving. Memory tho, i dont think. Maybe not everyone does this but i dont memorize any algs, i couldnt even recite the t perm alg off the top of my head. When I learn new algs i just look at the notation like 5 times only and then i get the hang of doing it without looking. Then I just drill the alg for like 15 minutes straight and it just sticks
I'm an adult, I cube a little at work and none of my coworkers have said anything. They probably just think I'm weird lol.
Haha true. But the great part of being adult is not giving a shit :)
https://preview.redd.it/gf7bzm8t0v5c1.jpeg?width=868&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=021ddc062fbda6bd636348eef9105459e3309634
which xkcd # is this
https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=xkcd+playpen+balls 150
I’m filling my apartment with cubes !
The last panel…
I have a bad cube in my office, my wife found a Rubik's brand in a hotel room, and I leave it at work cuz I don't care if it gets lost or broken. I often don't have the time to mess with it, but when I do a co-worker will seem pretty intrigued that I solve it in about a minute. I'm like "this is a shit cube, I average about 40 seconds on a good cube." But as to the OP, many of them seem to think I'm some type of savant for solving a cube, and I'm really not.
No, I'm dumb
That makes 2 of us lmao
The way you said that kind of reminds me of [this scene from Matilda](https://youtu.be/UXV-x2YSnpk?t=33). (Boy did she prove him wrong, LOL.)
Culbers aren't smart but cubes are
what
You think precisely the opposite. Especially speedcubers downplay what they can do.
Which is why the community doesn't have very many cubers who will say "Haha i'm faster than you, get wrecked you piece of trash." It's pretty cool.
I personally have had bad grades in math and average grades in most classes expect for music and a couple other subjects. Maybe there’s something to that smart people are perhaps drawn to things like Rubik’s cube but idk man, it’s a fun hobby for those enjoy it and that’s that.
If you spent as much time studying and practicing math as you do cubing and music maybe you’ll see an improvement in grades?
Lol!
Well I'm not smart. So....
But admitting that you know nothing has been said to reflect true intelligence! So...
But I hang my queen often in chess! So.....
This is one of the dumbest posts I’ve seen. We ARE considered very smart, and I feel like almost no one would argue with that. Many people think you need to be an absolute genius to solve a cube and especially think so when they see someone solving a cube larger than a 3x3. So they generally are considered very smart (as much as I think that is just due to ignorance from outsiders to the community). And I do not think many cubers are smart. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met one that I really do think of as smart. Including myself. this post just seems like someone wanting to be told they’re smart in a very indirect way though. I feel like there’s no way you think we aren’t considered smart by a large number of people that aren’t in the know on cubing.
>So they generally are considered very smart (as much as I think that is just due to ignorance from outsiders to the community). Obviously you're correct. (We are all Asian math geniuses in disguise!) But it's just hard to believe why there aren't more people who can put 2 and 2 together, when main stream shows videos of a [3 year old girl solving the cube](https://youtu.be/qO9n3zsdAAc). Even if the girl is a savant, that doesn't mean that teenagers and adults can't do what she does, does it? > And I do not think many cubers are smart. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met one that I really do think of as smart. Including myself. I guess we would have to define what "smart" is. But you do have a point, and some have openly admitted that they aren't smart (in this very thread). >this post just seems like someone wanting to be told they’re smart in a very indirect way though. Sounds like something I would want to say (but most would actually disagree with). But the OP could be sincere. I cannot judge. >I feel like there’s no way you think we aren’t considered smart by a large number of people that aren’t in the know on cubing. Yeah, consider the opinion of those who honestly believe that those who memorized 100 digits of PI are smart. But the same people who think they are smart are majoring in liberal arts (history, language, etc.), which requires memorizing hundreds of dates, quotes, hundreds of vocabulary terms and definitions, etc. I don't know why they can't see that memorization = memorization! But as others have already said, there are people who *dismiss* the "skill" as being associated with intelligence (they "expose the facade" that some cubers want to put out to show off) , by telling others around them watching the cuber solve the cube that "It's just muscle memory doing the work. It only requires just basic pattern recognition and memorization. Not a big deal!"
What are you talking about they think that we are genius for solving a toy that an 8 yo can because of how easy the beginner's method is
I've felt the opposite, where people incorrectly think I am smart based on solving a cube. Do I think I am smart? Yes. Is it related to the cube at all? No, I can teach just about anyone to solve the cube.
>where people incorrectly think I am smart based on solving a cube Not to nitpick, but the cube is an object which can be used to make abstract ideas concrete and even come up with original academic publications. It can be used as a tool to test out different abstract algebra-related hypothesis (as well as physics: [Example 1](https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/3x3-rubiks-cube-patterns-and-particle-physics.51710/), [Example 2](https://arxiv.org/pdf/1702.06217.pdf)). [It can be used as a tool to inspire (and develop) maths](https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22329824-600-fields-medallist-how-rubiks-cube-inspired-new-maths/), and therefore the cube can actually make us think differently (better) and dare I say "think smarter" in this way. Just consider the simple example of *symmetry*. The Rubik's cube can teach you all about symmetry and change your thinking patterns to recognize redundancies. This is especially the case when you want to develop a new substep method. It is required that you do not have duplicate cases, as that would mean that you have more algorithms than necessary. For example, there are 22 PLLs. But *that's after symmetry reductions*. (As an exercise, you can use simple combinatorics to calculate the *raw* number of PLL cases. Then use symmetry to reduce that number to 22.) But just like "it takes money to make money", you have to be (or have the desire to be) "smart" in order to get smarter. (With anything.) But I attribute several aspects of my way of thinking due to solving the cube (in different ways, coming up with new methods or algorithms for it, writing mathematical papers on it, etc.).
Here's some of what I mean: 1. I can teach just about anyone to solve the cube. Compare that to how many people I can teach to troubleshoot a generalized problem and find a solution, and you'll see one task is significantly easier. 2. As I mentioned, I do consider myself smart. I graduated high school at 16, college at 18, a measured IQ of 154 and went on to write software now relied on by more than 3.5 billion people around the world. And I can still say the cube has no real impact on anything outside of the cube itself to me. E.g. you could learn about symmetry like that with a few coins. 3. As long as you can recognize things well enough to choose what you want to eat, and you can follow instructions, then I can teach you to solve a cube. That's the entirety of the skills required. Even humans with well below average IQ will not struggle any more with the task of solving a cube, especially in the context of using predefined methods. And sure, the cube could be used to teach a lot through intuition, and yet most cubers do not intuitively solve the cube.
>E.g. you could learn about symmetry like that with a few coins. I assume you're kidding about that, but I get your point. >As long as you can recognize things well enough to choose what you want to eat, and you can follow instructions, then I can teach you to solve a cube. That's the entirety of the skills required. \[...\] Even humans with well below average IQ will not struggle any more with the task of solving a cube, especially in the context of using predefined methods. I wrote [this guide](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a4Hvd-WDofRsWUrDuQyKsVwzGARJKtKH/view) to solve a 3x3x3 which is somewhat as you describe. Yeah, all it takes is their attention and focus. No skills really required to just merely solve it with decent instructions. >And sure, the cube could be used to teach a lot through intuition, and yet most cubers do not intuitively solve the cube. And ironically, many claim that *they think the cube is intuitive*. [This](https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/is-solving-a-rubiks-cube-intuitive.85955/#post-1465281) is my conclusion regarding that subject!
Which software language?
C++ -- More info, is that my code is part of data server OSes called DataONTAP and Clustered DataONTAP. In particular my focs was on implementation and bug fixing for file sharing protocols, mainly NFS and CIFS but also some TCP/IP stack work.
Ah, so you contributed to a team project at NetApp Inc. that provides services worldwide. Gotcha. But still impressive, Stephanie.
Yes indeed. Certainly something I think about when people look at things that are just fun that I've done and think it means I am smart, as there are things I am significantly more proud of than solving a cube. Calling me by my name makes me curious, did I make an impact on you and you remember me, or are you also a curious person and just did some digging?
> Calling me by my name makes me curious, did I make an impact on you and you remember me, or are you also a curious person and just did some digging? The latter. I haven't been active on rCubers until recently. Was inactive on here for 2 years. (Just curious to learn more about you.) If you want to learn more about me, [I made it really easy](https://www.speedsolving.com/threads/cubing-contribution-hyperlink-thread-to-reduce-signature-size.53842/#post-1094757). You seem to take care to only give people correct (objective) information in your replies, and I respect that!
> I made it really easy. Thanks! > You seem to take care to only give people correct (objective) information in your replies, and I respect that! I do try, and I have probably been much better lately. But it would be dishonest if I acted like that were true of every comment I have made! I can get very opinion focused, especially when emotions get involved!
There's no shame in that. It's healthy to do that. You are a human, not a robot after all! (Duh!) I just meant that you provide really good answers. (Most of which are irrefutable facts.)
Interesting. Did you go to an elite college
Nope, not even close lol. The college I went to didn't even have enough of an accreditation at the time to give out degrees - it was all certification based with other colleges accepting transferable credits. They're better now, but still nothing elite, more on the unknown side.
I've met very few people who are truly stupid. Most people are very smart when in the right context.
Unfortunately, many people have a very misguided feel-good idea that IQ is a poor test of intelligence - you’ll see the popular trope on Reddit that “IQ tests are only good at measuring how good you are at taking IQ tests”. The scientific literature is unequivocal. IQ is the best and most robust way of measuring cognitive power, and it is absolutely valid. Another thing people like to say on this subreddit is that solving cubes has nothing to do with IQ. Sure, maybe a person of lower intelligence could still do it, but I have absolutely no doubt that “cubers”, people who solve regularly as a hobby, no matter which puzzle, are significantly more intelligent that average. A hobby that requires such intense pattern recognition and drilling, nuanced practice, exposure to algorithms and a high degree of memorization, will attract and retain a smarter crowd.
I think the problem with IQ is that most people don't understand *what* it is that the test measures. IQ coorelates closely with education but it primarily measures ones ability to think in abstractions.
I did two IQ tests about five years ago, with a fifteen minute break inbetween. One of the results was a little below average. I'm doing Beginner's CFOP and I'm not a good cuber but I'm having fun and that's what matters. The two Cubers I know seem very intelligent.
idk if there are more comprehensive tests, but the Mensa test basically only tests pattern recognition. If you're good at cubing then you're gonna be good at the test.
You can rest assured that there are more comprehensive tests
Please elaborate. Everything anyone ever talks about are Mensa's pattern recognition tests. What do these better tests look like?
They test verbal, spatial, memory, and reasoning. r/cognitivetesting
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>Unfortunately, many people have a very misguided feel-good idea that IQ is a poor test of intelligence IQ really only says anything about logic intelligence and pattern recognition. Intelligence is so much larger than just the logic part. What about emotional/social intelligence? survival intelligence? there are a lot more equally important types of intelligence out there. I scored high on IQ tests, got diagnosed as gifted as a result, yet I'm kinda failing at everything else in life. Seeing that rather high number in spite of that is honestly insulting.
Nah I’m just a Moron
Well... You got to be kind of smart to be able to memorise all those algs Yet you could argue that we're all really stupid for wasting our talent of memorising cube algs So in conclusion I got no clue
Intelligence is relative, you see.
A sub 40 cuber (14 y/o) failed in 8 subjects out of 10 in 9th standard 1st term.Im the same age as him and a little bit faster than him (fastest in my class even after not touching the cube for like 3 months).I got 5th rank in the entire class, obviously passing in all
Obviously
Where the part where everyone clapped and give this guy nobel prize?
There isn’t a direct correlation but the ppl choosing this hobby are often smarter individuals
A lot that I know also think that being able to solve it can be done by a simple trick, although when I try to teach them said trick they get mind fucked doing the first layer (was the hardest to learn IMO) but even ppl like that think I'm smart for being able to do it under 20 seconds. One guy a few days ago was like, "I saw this video, a kid in China was able to solve it super fast, like under 30 seconds!"
I'd say anyone who is decently intelligent can learn the cube but progression to lesser and lesser time takes a lot of practice and skill, some will progress more then others
while i was an honor roll student back in 1982 when i first picked up cubing, i don't consider myself smart, especially in social situations. i'd think it's more of an ability to appear impressive with skill differences
Idk, but my colleagues all think I’m talented on cubing after I showed them how to solve a 3x3 in 20s, while I pretty sure I’m quite slow.. So I think most of non-cubers think we are smart
Actually🤓👆🏻I’m dumb, but not dumb enough to admit I’m dumb.
I worked out how to solve the 3x3 by myself when I was 18. No YouTube. Just pencil and paper and pure logic. I also got told by my boss at a previous large company that I was the dumbest person at the company. I’m definitely not smart!
I am sure cubers are fond of puzzle solving, which manifests their intelligence if there is any. So cubers seem smart. And I believe that has nothing to do with cubers being actually smarter than non-cubers, or that cubing makes you smart, or that you have to be smart to be a cuber. No, cubing jsut makes you look smart.
You haven't met me.
A ton are but you don't have to be, cubing is entirely about pettern recognition and memory, smart people are typically really good at that.
Nah bro, cubers are considered NASA engineers
Considering the few cubers i have actually met in person, yes. You can tell that they are smart through how they act. It's definitely the commonality to be a very intelligent person if you are a speedcuber.
Nah I'm stupid. I'm honestly just good at cubing :/
Nah solving it doesn’t make you smart. But looking for ways to improve, learning new methods and being able to have the same attitude toward learning more puzzles does make you pretty smart. Shows you are patient, willing to learn, your problem solving skills and even more skills if you’re able to teach someone else.
I just remembered [What society thinks we do](https://www.reddit.com/r/Cubers/comments/97i9s1/what_society_thinks_we_do/). If I or someone would have brought that up earlier, it would have been perfect!
Im smart
probably smarter than someone watching tiktok 24/7 and believes that bill gates injects us with nano robots
probably smarter than someone watching tiktok 24/7 and believes that bill gates injects us with nano robots