Most Americans Think They're Smarter Than Most Americans

Americans don't think the country as a whole is all that bright, but they point the finger at other people instead of themselves. A new survey by YouGov finds that 55% of Americans consider themselves smarter than the average American. Meanwhile, just 25% say that Americans overall have above-average intelligence. The results aren't too surprising, given that "western cultures have a habit of inflating their self-worth," writes Marina Koren at the National Journal. "The most competent individuals also tend to underestimate their ability, while incompetent people overestimate it."

Men (24%) were more likely than women (15%) to consider themselves "much more intelligent" than the average American in the survey. One stat that caught the attention of Robyn Pennacchia at Death and Taxes is that rich people are significantly more likely than poor people to think Americans are stupid. "Which I suppose explains why they think they can get away with so much bulls---." (More Americans stories.)