In The Bell Curve, Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray argued that the nation cannot come to terms with its massive social problems until it confronts the role of intelligence. "How bright someone is, is the single variable that has the largest impact on income and social status," argued Herrnstein. He further contended that low IQ is the most important factor relating to such social ills such as crime, illegitimacy, and welfare dependency. What are your thoughts on these claims?
Defend or refute the statements based upon your reading or any other outside sources you can quote. All statements must be backed up with citable references that are to be included in your discussion.