Encephalization Quotient, EQ
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A measure of the ratio of brain size to expected body size. A higher ratio indicates that the brain has more "redundant computational power" beyond maintaining physiological functions, which can be used for complex cognitive activities. The human EQ is approximately 7.4-7.8.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Focus on cognitive surplus. A person's wisdom does not depend on how "big" their brain is (amount of knowledge), but on how much "redundant computational power" remains for thinking after handling survival trivialities (eating, drinking, defecating, daily work). The key to enhancing wisdom is to automate daily trivialities to free up EQ.
Anchor fast decisions
EQ = actual brain size / expected brain size for the same body size; a value greater than 1 indicates "cognitive surplus" beyond what is needed for survival. The higher the value, the more redundant computational power is available for complex cognition; wisdom depends on surplus rather than absolute brain size.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%84%91%E5%8C%96%E6%8C%87%E6%95%B0verified
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