What insights does the book's formula "CQ (Curiosity Quotient) + PQ (Passion Quotient) > IQ (Intelligence Quotient)" offer for individual career development?

Created At: 8/15/2025Updated At: 8/18/2025
Answer (1)

Certainly. Here is the precise English translation maintaining the original markdown format:


Your question is quite interesting and highly relevant to our era. Many people feel anxious about "not being smart enough" or "not having high enough qualifications," but this formula offers a fresh perspective.

As someone who’s navigated this before, I’ll share my thoughts hoping they help you.


CQ + PQ > IQ: How Does This Help Ordinary People "Build Their Careers"?

Simply put, this formula tells us: In today’s rapidly changing world, a person’s curiosity and passion are more decisive than raw IQ or existing knowledge in determining how far they can go.

Think of it this way:

  • IQ (Intelligence Quotient) → Your car’s engine. It determines horsepower and baseline performance. Important for getting a quick start.
  • CQ (Curiosity Quotient) → Your GPS and exploratory drive. It compels you to seek new paths and uncharted territories instead of staying on familiar roads. When old routes jam or close, CQ helps you forge ahead.
  • PQ (Passion Quotient) → High-grade fuel in your tank. It provides relentless momentum to persevere toward goals—no matter the distance or complexity.

Thus: A car with a top-tier navigation system and a full tank of fuel will outrun one with a powerful engine but no fuel or GPS—even if the latter revs hard in place. It journeys farther and discovers exciting new destinations.

Let’s break down career implications:

1. Curiosity (CQ) Is Your "Anti-Fragile" Skill

Historically, a degree in accounting or law could sustain a lifetime career. Now? AI may draft basic contracts or reports tomorrow.

  • Future-Proofs You: The highly curious don’t wait for obsolescence. They ask: “What is AI? How can it enhance my work? Can I leverage it to innovate?” This proactive stance keeps you ahead of the tide, not drowned by it.
  • Reveals Opportunities: Curiosity fuels cross-disciplinary learning. A designer explores coding; a marketer studies decision psychology. Connecting diverse fields sparks innovation and reveals unseen opportunities.

Action Steps:

  • Ask "Why?": Challenge routines at work: "Why this method? Is there a better way?"
  • Learn "Irrelevantly": Invest time in non-work topics—books, documentaries, or skills (e.g., music, woodworking). This broadens your thinking.

2. Passion (PQ) Is Your "Endurance" and "Moat"

Curiosity alone isn’t enough; many lose steam fast. Passion bridges the gap between "interest" and "mastery" through grind.

  • Builds Resilience: Every job has setbacks. High-IQ individuals may quit when stuck. Passionate people treat challenges as "leveling up"—grit that wins career marathons.
  • Drives Excellence: Some "complete tasks"; others "create masterpieces." Passion draws the line. A chef obsessed with flavor tweaks a recipe 50 times. This meticulousness forges an inimitable personal brand and competitive edge.

Action Steps:

  • Find Micro-Joys: Identify 1–2 fulfilling aspects in your current role and amplify them.
  • Link Work to Values: Ask: "Beyond income, how does my work help clients or improve the world?" Purpose fuels motivation.
  • Create if Absent: If work drains you, channel passion into a side project. It may become your future path.

To Sum Up

This formula doesn’t dismiss IQ—it’s foundational. But in today's workplace, IQ is merely the entry ticket. CQ + PQ determine whether you thrive, endure, and ultimately win.

A high-IQ person who lacks curiosity or passion risks becoming "obsolete" and "burned out."

Whereas an average-IQ individual with childlike curiosity and obsessive dedication holds infinite potential. They continuously reinvent themselves, create value, and carve out an extraordinary career journey.

Created At: 08-15 04:00:41Updated At: 08-15 06:41:55