Why is Intelligence not Making You Happier?

The article investigates the intriguing disconnect between intelligence and happiness, despite the widespread belief that higher cognitive ability leads to greater life satisfaction. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies, the authors find that cognitive ability does not significantly correlate with happiness levels. They refute several hypotheses about why intelligence might not lead to increased happiness and highlight the role of socioeconomic status misperception in this phenomenon. The study extends existing research by incorporating more comprehensive measures of cognitive ability and exploring the underlying factors influencing happiness. The findings challenge the notion that intelligence inevitably enhances well-being and offer valuable insights into the complex relationship between cognitive skills and subjective well-being.