Intelligent people operate on a different wavelength from the rest of us, but that doesn’t make them snobby or judgemental.
That being said, there’s no use denying that having higher than average brain power doesn’t colour their experiences and their feelings about the people they come across in their daily lives. Here are some things that they might think about those who aren’t quite as smart as them.
1. They might find some conversations frustrating.
Source: Unsplash Intelligent people sometimes get impatient when talking about complex topics with people they see as less intelligent, and they may struggle to simplify their ideas or find common ground in certain discussions. Sadly, this frustration can lead to a tendency to avoid or cut short conversations they find intellectually unstimulating.
2. They often recognise the need for patience.
They get that not everyone processes information at the same speed, so many of them consciously work on being patient when explaining concepts or waiting for other people to pick up on ideas or skills. Their patience often comes from a realisation that effective communication and collaboration require adapting to different learning styles.
3. They might underestimate practical intelligence.
Some intelligent people may overlook the value of practical skills and common sense, potentially underestimating those who excel in these areas but score lower on traditional intelligence measures. Their bias can lead to missed opportunities for learning valuable life skills from people they wrongly assume aren’t as smart as they are.
4. They sometimes envy social ease.
They might admire the social skills of those they consider less intelligent because they recognise that cognitive intelligence doesn’t always translate to social intelligence. Their admiration can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy in social situations, despite their intellectual confidence.
5. They may feel a sense of responsibility.
Some smart people feel a duty to use their intelligence to help or educate people, which can sometimes come across as condescending, even if well-intentioned. Their sense of responsibility can create a complex dynamic where they simultaneously want to help, but may also feel frustrated by the process.
6. They might struggle with simplifying more complicated ideas.
They often find it hard to break down complex concepts for other people, and this can lead to frustration on both sides of the conversation. Because they can grasp ideas pretty quickly and make connections that aren’t immediately obvious to other people, they get upset when there’s a disconnect.
7. They often recognise different types of intelligence.
Many (but not all) brainiacs get that traditional measures of intelligence don’t capture all forms of cognitive ability, and so they appreciate other types of intelligence in those they initially thought were a bit dim. Recognising this can lead to more inclusive and diverse collaborations, as they learn to value different cognitive strengths.
8. They might feel isolated at times.
They sometimes feel lonely or misunderstood, largely because they find it hard to connect with those they see as operating on a different intellectual level. The sense of isolation they feel can sometimes lead to a search for like-minded people or communities where they feel more understood.
9. They may be critical of illogical thinking.
Source: Unsplash Intelligent people often value logical reasoning and tend to get frustrated with what they consider irrational or illogical thinking in other people. Their criticism can sometimes create tension in relationships or work environments where different thinking styles coexist.
10. They might undervalue emotional intelligence.
Some highly intelligent people may not fully appreciate the importance of EQ, potentially dismissing those who excel in this area, but score lower on traditional IQ tests. Unfortunately, this oversight can lead to blind spots in their own personal and professional development.
11. They often respect hard work and determination.
They admire people who achieve through persistent effort, largely because they appreciate that hard work can often compensate for raw intellectual ability. Their respect can lead to a more nuanced view of intelligence and success, acknowledging the role of perseverance alongside smarts.
12. They may feel pressure to always have answers.
Many smart people always feel the expectation to know the answer or solution, which can create stress when interacting with people who look to them for guidance. The pressure they experience, even if it’s all in their own head, can sometimes lead to impostor syndrome or anxiety about maintaining their intellectual status.
13. They sometimes envy the ability to ‘switch off’.
Highly intelligent people often admire other people’s ability to relax and not overthink situations, especially because it’s something they themselves tend to struggle with. This envy can sometimes lead to a desire to learn mindfulness techniques or other methods to quiet their active minds, which can only be a good thing.
14. They may become impatient with slower learning curves.
Some smart people might find it hard to understand why other people take longer to learn or grasp new concepts, potentially leading to frustration in educational or professional settings. Their impatience can sometimes result in them being seen as arrogant or dismissive by those around them (and sometimes those labels are accurate).
15. They often appreciate different perspectives.
Many smart people recognise that those that might be less technically intelligent can offer unique viewpoints and insights, and they value a bit of diversity of thought. Their appreciation can lead to more inclusive decision-making processes and innovative problem-solving approaches.
16. They might struggle with delegation.
Intelligent people sometimes find it tough to delegate tasks, believing they can do things more efficiently themselves. Of course, this can lead to overwork and missed opportunities for team development and growth.
17. They may feel misunderstood.
Highly intelligent people sometimes feel like don’t understand their ideas or motivations, which gives them a sense of alienation. The feeling of being misunderstood can sometimes result in withdrawal or a tendency to spend time only with those they see as intellectual equals.
18. They often recognise the value of teamwork.
Smart people usually understand that diverse teams with varying levels of intelligence can achieve more than a group of highly intelligent people working in isolation. Recognising this can lead to more effective leadership styles that emphasise collaboration and varied skill sets.
19. They might unconsciously use complex language.
Intelligent people may unintentionally use jargon or complex terms, creating communication barriers with people they think don’t “get it”. This habit can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or a perception of intellectual elitism by the people around them. It shouldn’t be hard to “dumb things down” and speak like a normal person, but they do struggle with it at times.
20. They often appreciate practical solutions.
Many intelligent people recognise and value when others provide straightforward, practical solutions to problems they might overcomplicate. As a result, it can lead to a more balanced approach to problem-solving, combining analytical thinking with practical implementation.
21. They may feel a need to constantly prove their intelligence.
Some highly intelligent people might feel pressure to consistently demonstrate their intellect, which can affect their interactions with everyone else. Their need for validation can sometimes lead to competitive behaviours or a reluctance (or outright refusal) to admit when they don’t know something.
