The relationship between intelligence and wealth

This is the relationship between intelligence and wealth:

Says Paul Kedrosky:

While it doesn't stand up to statistical scrutiny, an eyeball check of the above figure does make it look like there is a soft inverse relationship. In other words, maybe we should be accusing random foolish sorts among us of being smarter than they're acting: Hey, if you're so dumb, how come you're not rich?!

I think it's one of the best lessons I got from investment banking and to a lesser degree, auditing/accounting. Rich people really aren't that much different than the rest of us - I think it's a combination of luck, recognizing an opportunity, going after it in a meaningful way and then a great deal of persistance.