This relates to a particular faculty which is one component of intelligence. It is a primitive aptitude meaning one of the early ones developed by our evolving ancestors. Musical aptitude is a very common savant ability. In contrast to an aptitude in theoretical mathematic or physics which never occurs as a savant ability. I’m not flagging intellect relating to musical aptitude. My point is intellect is a very expansive concept. I’m always amused by those who insist on attributing unlimited importance to a particular measure of it. Some “high IQ” aptitudes are useless if not detrimental to a productive healthy and fulfilling life (as counter-intuitive as that may seem).

IQ scores are hilarious. I have known a number of good people who have, on a little inebriation (or sometimes not), confessed that their IQ scores are off the charts. I’m certain that I’ve (on any number of drunken evenings) told anyone who would listen what a scathingly brilliant writer I think I am. We are all geniuses after some rum and coke.

I have a lot of smart friends, but I find it much, much harder to pinpoint who is a genius than it is to decide who is an idiot.

I agree with LP, but I do often have trouble discerning just how much of a freaking idiot someone is—and even when I think I’ve got it pegged, I’m often surprised.