Success of Quick Gratification versus Culture

Recently, I have read and heard (several times now) about a study stating that neither intelligence (IQ), nor any other skill test can predict child’s success, except for the “cookie” test.

When the researchers asked children “You can have a cookie (or any other treat) now, or you can wait and get two later.”, the kids that are able to the delay gratification happen to be more successful in later life.

It is crucial that we constantly train ourselves and our children to be able to delay gratification (i.e. not to watch a senseless movie now) and pursue their dreams to reap the greater reward later.

Today, I have read about another study. A chimp can observe a human opening a box of treats using unnecessary steps, then, given a chance, the chimp cuts the steps to a minimum required. Smart chimp. A human child learns to follow the steps, even if they are quite aware and capable of figuring out the simpler path.

Silly?

Following the exact recipe is not silly when it comes to getting science, music, or gymnastics education, investing hard-earned money, or cooking toxic ingredients in order to remove the toxicity. The example comes to mind of making a quick-raise bread versus a sourdough bread our ancestors made. One will make you chronically sick over time, the other will nourish you.

Some people only able to indulge themselves and end up sick, poor, or in prison.

Others work hard on their dreams. Humans are pre-programed to learn culture, without it, we would not survive two generations.