Will the developing world attain mean IQs that match those of the developed world in the foreseeable future? There is no doubt that a significant IQ gap between the two exists. Lynn and Vanhanen (2002, 2006) recorded it and suggested that the developing world does not have the intelligence to equal the record of the developed world for economic growth. I suspect it is not that simple. In 1917, Americans had a mean IQ of 72 (against today’s norms) and a good estimate for 1900 would be 67. Only two developing nations fall significantly below this (Saint Lucia and Equatorial Guinea). The US did not leap from 67 to 100 as a prerequisite for industrial development; rather it was a matter of reciprocal causality. The first step toward modernity raised IQ a bit, which paved the way for the next step, which raised IQ a bit more, and so on. It was like climbing a ladder: start with one foot, next step up with the other foot, until you reach the top.

First, I will argue that the evidence that inferior genes for intelligence handicap the developing world is suspect. Second, I will note something unexpected: the IQ gains of the developed world seem to be persisting into the twenty-first century. If this continues, it will be more difficult for the developing world to catch up. Third, I will show that even so, the developing world has the potential to gain at a faster rate. Malnutrition, inbreeding, and ill health are present there and, if overcome, promise dividends. By contrast, these factors have had little effect on IQ in the developed world since 1950. Fourth, I will give evidence that IQ gains in the developing world have begun.