The whole is missed in these discussions. Here are the reasons based on my encounter with over 300 IIT students, Professors and scholars:
1. They use “inductive reasoning”- Form a mental hypothesis(or in mathematical term conjecture) and come to a theory. For example, historically Brahmins in general grew in poverty and accepted it as the fate. Thus, whatever they got, they felt it is God given and learned to live in poverty. The original Brahmins culture demanded poverty yet teaching to others- beg in just five houses and eat what you get or starve, but your duty is to teach others. Old gurukulas made all students – from all caste to learn like that and the teacher was given sharamdan and whatever the rich and parents paid at the end. So, accepting – janani janma sawkyanaam, vardhani kula sambadaam, pathavi purva punynam , likyade janma patrika- the mother live happily for her life time, she is the agumeter of the family, one's job is based on good deeds in a previous birth, thus this horoscope is written. Those who could not teach became cooks, pujaris, vaidikis and so on. This poverty embracing quality is running in these families for the generations. This does not mean, they don't like wealth etc., but just accept what is given. So, later, in general, they did not accept bribe.
2. Inductive reasoning is the key for independent thinking. All discoveries are based on inductive reasoning. There must be a root, from which branches emerge which contain leaves and they look to sun, water and air to survive. Brahmins who are liberated and moved out of old school, now see their subdued inductive curiosity sprout as the environment is appropriate. Thus, moving from the South they blossom and are appreciated. CV Raman, Ramanujan, Kanade, Baskaracharya, Sankara, Arya Bhatta, Chanakya... are all in the USA (very few in Europe) because USA does not condemn failure and encourages success by repeated effort.
3. Since education is given high priority, historically IAS, IFS,IPS were the target of Brahmins followed by Law, Medicine and civil service during British time. Since Brahmins had learned at least three languages – Tamil, Sanskrit, English their diction, oratory and free thinking flourished in about 40-50% of Brahmins. Others still were in hotels as cooks, purajirs, Vaidigas. Polymath- many languages and many skill sets made them proud and in general while being benevolent did not go after money, rather went after name and fame. But always feared God,thus were more socially active benevolent ones. Temple entry was done by Brahmins!.
4. While the 7 risheis were not all Brahmins, but by their dedication to dharma- justice and rule of law, they created the Brahminical section devoted to learning and teaching. Any one who chooses that path is a Brahmins such as, Viswamitra. Many saints and almost all Gods are nonBrahmin Kshatriya Rama, Yadava Krishanaand so on, which did not bother Brahmins as they accepted them savior Gods. Brahmins also accepted local deities when they moved form the North- thus the Dravidian Gods : Murugan et al, Kali and devadas for each Tamil nomenclature of the land – Mountain, Forest, Agriculture, Sea and Desert were accepted. All Brahmins saints accepted them and also worshiped nonBrahmin Nayanmars and Alwars etc.
Only a limited selfish Brahmins who behaved as businessmen were the exemption.
Thus, the genetics of Brahmins in South India is carried over today and in isolation they appear to be intelligent. Others too are intelligent but percentage wise less.
5. Chanting mantras, slokas etc., the memory power to retain and recall – brain power
is retained. Thus, to get away from sorrow, they resort to Puja, Dyana etc., which are in Sanskrit. Many many not understand the meaning, but deeply believe in their effects and gain peace of mind. Thus, in general, the mental health of Brahmin is high. Instead of fighting they move away and expect God will punish the wrong doer.
Even if some one in their family marry outside caste, they don't go and kill them which is encouraged in other castes.
If we design proper sociological. Psychological and intellectual questionnaire and take a honest survey, we will know more but no Brahmins would like waste their time in this research. Brahmins in general, love Tamil more than others. They speak it in the USA now! with clear l, lh and lzha.
ओम् नमो नारायणाय!
