[jfz]

Because IQ is a measure of abstract analytical and pattern-matching intelligence, our economic shift towards more analytical/intelligence-driven work causes us to practice those skills more. I could say that FQ (factory-production quotient) has decreased over the last 150 years, but that doesn't mean that people are more or less intelligent, only that they practice different things.

[peterwwillis]

It's interesting how this simple truth is not obvious to most people, and we somehow think that people with skills or knowledge have some special quality we don't, when really they're just experienced.

[jaggederest]

I think, if I'm practicing the principle of charity, the GP meant the difference in nutrition and sanitation standards, i.e. general health, rather than some sort of "now is the pinnacle of humanity" sense.