The problem of the intellectual abilities structure is the subject of interest to many theoreticians and practitioners. Issues connected with the intellect have been known since ancient times. Then, the importance of the intellect was appreciated in achieving success by the individual in various types of human activity, such as gaining education, achieving and maintaining a significant socio-professional role, and hence a high position and a social status. Intellectual abilities are basic when it comes to the formation of certain axiological principles which should be a rudimentary source of human behaviour, full of humanism and humanitarianism. Contemporary psychology has continually conducted research on factors affecting our behaviour and intellectual abilities. Literature analysis shows that both genetic and environmental factors have a huge impact on the analysed capabilities. Combining appropriate components of both environments can result in a synergy, i.e. enable the full manifestation of the intellectual potential in a man.

Key words: intelligence, Great Five, genetic factors, environmental factors.