Some people would argue that you can’t see intelligence, but I would have to disagree.
It’s not that you can tell by someone’s physical appearance whether they’re smart or not — that’s ridiculous. However, there are ways they carry themselves and things they do differently than people with average brain power that sets them apart and makes you think, “Wow, they’re actually kind of brilliant.” Here are some things you notice about super intelligent people right off the bat.
1. They ask unique and interesting questions.
Source: Unsplash Intelligent people are naturally curious. They’re not afraid to ask questions, and when they do, the things they ask often make you stop and think. They’re genuinely interested in understanding things better, not just making small talk, so they come up with some really unique, interesting questions with angles you probably haven’t even considered before.
2. They do much more listening than talking.
Contrary to popular belief, the smartest person in the room isn’t always the loudest. Intelligent people often prefer to listen and absorb information before chiming in with their own thoughts. When they do speak up, it’s usually something worth hearing.
3. They admit when they don’t know something.
There’s confidence in admitting ignorance. Intelligent people aren’t afraid to say “I don’t know” because they see it as an opportunity to learn something new. They’re more interested in getting to the truth than in appearing all-knowing. That’s how you know they’re smart!
4. They’re open to changing their minds.
Rigid thinking isn’t a sign of intelligence. Smart people are willing to consider new information and adjust their views accordingly. They’re not stubborn about their opinions and can have respectful debates without getting defensive. If they’re proven wrong or learn something that changes their point of view, they’re happy to go along with it.
5. They have a good sense of humour.
Witty remarks and clever wordplay are often signs of a quick mind — that skill doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Intelligent people tend to appreciate and create humour that requires a bit of thought to understand because they’re able to find the funny side in complicated or abstract situations. It’s a gift!
6. They’re comfortable with silence.
Not every moment needs to be filled with chatter, and intelligent people know this. They’re usually at ease with periods of quiet, using them for reflection or simply enjoying the moment. They don’t feel the need to fill every silence with pointless conversation, and that’s a godsend at times. It’s always the idiots that blather on and on…
7. They’re curious about how things work.
From gadgets to social systems, intelligent people are often fascinated by the mechanics behind things. They’re the ones who might take apart a clock just to see how it ticks, or dive deep into understanding political structures out of sheer curiosity. This gives them a much greater understanding of things, and listening to them explain stuff is always riveting.
8. They read. A lot.
And no, I’m not referring to the Daily Mail. While not all readers are highly intelligent, most highly intelligent people are readers. They usually read a diverse range of material and are always eager to absorb new information and ideas through books, articles, or even well-written social media posts. They also make sure the things they’re taking in are as balanced as possible, and that they hear ideas from both sides so they don’t become biased unfairly.
9. They can explain complicated ideas in simple terms.
It’s one thing to understand a complex concept, but it’s another to explain it in a way that other people can easily pick up on. However, smart people know exactly how to break down complicated ideas into digestible bits, without being condescending. If you need something explained to you, you’ll want them to do it.
10. They’re super observant.
Sharp minds tend to notice details that no one else is even paying attention to, whether it’s subtle microexpressions people make or the vibe being off when they walk into a room. They’re also great at coming up with solutions to problems that no one else considers, which makes them pretty handy to have around in a crisis.
11. They’re not afraid of making mistakes.
Intelligent people see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures, which is really how we should all be looking at our mess-ups. They’re willing to take calculated risks and try new things, knowing that even if they mess up, they’ll gain valuable experience and knowledge.
12. They have a pretty impressive vocabulary.
While they don’t necessarily use big words all the time, intelligent people often have a massive vocabulary at their disposal. They’re able to choose the perfect word to express their thoughts precisely, and they understand nuances in language that other people don’t. They’re thoughtful about the language they use, which makes them easier to understand and ensures they don’t ever unintentionally offend anyone.
13. They’re often good at more than one thing.
Many intelligent people have multiple areas of expertise or various hobbies they’re great at. Because they have such a broad base of knowledge, it allows them to make unique connections between different fields, which is pretty cool. Sometimes you talk to them and think, “Is there anything they’re NOT good at?”
14. They’re extremely self-aware.
Emotional intelligence is a hugely important aspect of overall intelligence. Smart people tend to have a good understanding of their own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. They’re also able to regulate their reactions and consider how their behaviour affects other people — an ability we could all use more of in the world!
15. They’re patient.
Intelligent people understand that good things often take time. Whether it’s solving a tough problem or achieving a long-term goal, they have the patience to stick with it. They’re not easily frustrated or overwhelmed by setbacks and can maintain focus on the bigger picture, which is why they tend to be so successful.
16. They have a good memory.
While not all intelligent people have photographic memories, many do have an impressive ability to recall information. They might remember small details from conversations long ago or quickly pick up new information and retain it pretty much forever without even trying.
17. They’re adaptable.
Things are changing incredibly fast in the world, so the ability to adapt is really important. Intelligent people are often quick to adjust to new situations, technologies, or ideas. They’re not set in their ways and can thrive in different environments.
18. They have a good sense of humility.
True intelligence often comes with the understanding of how much there is still to learn. Smart people tend to be humble about their abilities and achievements because they know that there’s always room for growth and improvement.
19. They’re good problem-solvers.
When faced with a challenge, intelligent people often approach it methodically. They break down complex issues into manageable parts, consider different angles, and come up with creative solutions. They’re not afraid to think outside the box.
20. They’re empathetic.
Contrary to the stereotype of the cold, logical genius, many intelligent people are highly empathetic. They’re able to understand and relate to other people’s feelings and perspectives, which often makes them good listeners and advice-givers. They won’t placate you with lip service or stare at you blankly as you share what’s on your mind. They’ll find ways to relate to you and then give you amazing advice.
21. They never, ever stop learning.
I think the most telling sign of intelligence is a constant thirst for knowledge. Intelligent people never stop learning. They’re always picking up new skills, exploring new subjects, or deepening their understanding of topics they already know. For them, learning isn’t a chore —it’s a privilege.
