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Originally Posted by dennis08  Reading, writing, math, English and spelling. Most importantly analytical tasks. All around I guess you could say. |
I have thought about this question before and I've decided that mathematics is the closest thing to intelligence. SAT Math scores are great predictors of future grades in Organic Chemistry, for example, while there is not much of a correlation with SAT Verbal scores. While if you read some of the memory books that people have mentioned earlier in this thread, you will seem like a genius to your friends, it is not really going to substantially increase your intelligence because intelligence is more problem-solving, and analytical skills, as you say. I do think that it will increase your intelligence, though, and I highly recommend it.
To increase your intelligence, I suggest that you start by solving math problems, beginning with easy ones and progressing to extremely difficult ones. There are books with collections of problems that are solvable with only basic topics like algebra and geometry, yet are very difficult to solve. Once you get very good at math, which is about problem-solving and creativity, then you can tackle stuff like reading and spelling, because these are easier to master once you are good at problem-solving. I knew several people who were very good at math and also very good at English, but most of the people who were very good at English were not that accomplished in math, most likely because the skills are less transferable.
You can also do things like play chess, which will increase your thinking and problem-solving abilities. You can read books that are at a level a bit more difficult than what you would be comfortable picking up off the shelf and reading. Don't get frustrated if you don't understand everything or if people tell you that you don't remember things well. Once you read several books the skills with start coming all on their own. You can also try to come up with solutions to everyday problems throughout the day.