# Race differences in average IQ are largely genetic **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 27, 2012, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/race-differences-in-average-iq-are-largely-genetic/623236 "2012-05-27T12:28:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 199
**Author:** ![New\_Deal\_Democrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9d8465/32.png) [@New\_Deal\_Democrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/New_Deal_Democrat)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2012, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/race-differences-in-average-iq-are-largely-genetic/623236/199 "2012-05-31T15:17:44Z")
> [@Smeghead](#): > > Jews’ IQ: as the entire topic of debate here is whether or not there is a genetic basis to IQ, this cannot be used as supporting evidence, as it has not been shown to be the case. Are you claiming that Ashkenazic Jews do not have an average IQ of 112? It is common knowledge that they do. They have won one fifth of Nobel Prizes. In The Jews among the Greeks and Romans: a Diasporan Source Book Margaret H. Williams demonstrated that during the Roman Empire Jews were not considered to be of superior intelligence. The superiority of the Ashkenazim evolved quickly. For about one thousand years Jews in Europe were forbidden to own land. Most trades were closed to them. However, money lending was open to them because of Christian restrictions against usury. Success in finance and business requires superior intelligence. Also, the periodic programs favored Jews who were rich and resourceful enough to survive. --- _[View the full topic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/race-differences-in-average-iq-are-largely-genetic/623236)._