Hey everyone, and welcome to TopThink. Today, we will learn about twelve signs of a secretly
intelligent person. Now, let’s begin.
What does it mean to be intelligent? Most people have a surprisingly narrow understanding of what
intelligence really means. For example, you might think the smartest people in the world get perfect
scores on tests or excel in their chosen careers. You might think they’ve won prestigious awards or
changed the world with their intellectual gifts. Most people equate raw intelligence with these
kinds of numbers, competitions, and accolades, but real intelligence manifests in different
ways, some of which may surprise you. Think about the most intelligent people
in history, like Albert Einstein or Leonardo da Vinci. These individuals were undoubtedly
geniuses who made a significant impact on human history. But their inventions and discoveries
weren’t the only manifestations of their incredible intellects. Einstein, Leonardo,
and many others were very eccentric, often doing or saying things that struck
the world as strange. They maintained unusual habits, took an interest in bizarre phenomena,
and lived their lives unlike most people. It comes down to this: the most brilliant
people don’t think like everyone else. They’re interested in different sets of problems. They
have different values and priorities, which affect how they live and behave. This reveals something
important about the study of intelligence. While we can use test scores to measure certain aspects
of someone’s mind, we can also identify more unconventional signs of high-functioning brains.
True intelligence isn’t always measurable with scores and scales, but even the most diverse
intellectuals may share similar experiences. They may gravitate toward specific habits and
behave in ways unique to their powerful brains. Only by studying the most intelligent people have
we discovered the habits, skills, and behaviors that are most attractive to the brightest minds.
That’s why, in this video, we’re going to re-examine what intelligence looks like and,
in doing so, help you understand how smart you really are. Setting aside test scores and
achievements, we will explore the most interesting and unexpected signs of highly intelligent people.
Because intelligence isn’t as straightforward as many believe. Whether or not you feel like
a highly intelligent person, if you can relate to these secret signs of intelligence, your brain may
be more capable than you realize. 1. The Boredom Brain
Do you often feel bored? Studies show that highly intelligent people struggle
with boredom more often than most. Their minds function at a higher level, processing bigger
questions and harder problems. So, they need more stimulation to engage and challenge them, often
bored by the things most people find intriguing. You might notice in conversations that you have
to fake interest — that you’re unsatisfied talking about the same old subjects. Maybe
you crave something more complex or insightful. Instead of talking to others, you may spend most
of your time thinking, more engaged with your thoughts than the world around you.
To the outside observer, it might seem like you’re doing nothing at all. People might even
think you’re lazy, but laziness has nothing to do with it. If you often feel bored or unstimulated,
whether you realize it or not, you may be a highly intelligent person.
2. The Surprising Power of Anxiety Studies show a surprising correlation between
anxiety and high intelligence. People who ruminate on their problems also demonstrate greater
problem-solving abilities. They’re often able to anticipate future obstacles and challenges,
enabling greater intellectual potential. Of course, anxiety has its problems. It’s
associated with fear, depression, and a sense of dread, but there may be an upside to all
that stress and self-doubt. Anxiety may not be a pleasant experience, but it’s a sign that your
brain is sharp and strong. 3. Intuitive Mind-Reading
Have you ever guessed what someone was about to say before they said it?
Highly intelligent people have a knack for guessing what others think and feel. How?
By picking up on subtle cues or changes in body language that telegraph how people really feel.
For example, let’s say you’re talking to someone who feels upset. Without them saying a word, you
know precisely what is bothering them. You’re able to make predictions about others’ thoughts and
feelings, and most of the time... you’re right. The most intelligent people have interactions
like these surprisingly often. To be clear, no one, even the most intelligent people,
can actually read minds. But your sharp intuition may sometimes feel like a superpower.
4. The Grayscale Mindset Most people crave yes or no answers. They
see the world in black and white, but the smartest people see the world in shades of gray. They’re
not interested in simple solutions but enjoy the nuances and complexities life has to offer.
For example, when taking a stance, they rarely choose sides. Instead, they recognize multiple
viewpoints and freely acknowledge how much they do not know. Because of this explorative,
flexible mindset, intelligent people tend to be exceptionally open-minded.
They don’t mind challenging familiar ideas or questioning what they believe; in fact,
that’s when the smarter people thrive. Anyone can cling to an uninformed opinion,
insisting they’re right and everyone else is wrong. But a truly intelligent person recognizes
and embraces all the possibilities that exist in between. If you, like the most intelligent people,
see the world in shades of gray, you may have a secretly powerful brain.
5. Efficient Minds Wander Many people think a wandering mind is a lazy mind,
but the data tells a different story. According to a 2017 study in the journal Neuropsychologia,
people who frequently daydream may have more efficient brains and greater intellectual
abilities. You might think about an artist lost in their imaginary world or a visionary dreaming
about a brighter future. This kind of constructive daydreaming is not only good for your brain, but
it’s also a sign of real intellectual potential. 6. Restless Fidgeting
The smartest people have a strange habit of fidgeting while thinking. As their minds dive
deep into complicated problems, their bodies must release restless energy through small movements
like tapping, shaking, or even chewing. If you’re a highly intelligent person,
you might practice one or more of these habits on a daily basis. You might tap your fingers
or shake your leg. You might chew gum or snack on food throughout the day. Whatever shape it takes,
your restless movements may be signs of an active and powerful mind.
7. Keeping the Peace Secretly intelligent people
are often the peacekeepers among their friends and family. Why? Because they’re
adept at anticipating problems and resolving conflicts before they spiral out of control.
Playing the peacekeeper is more complicated than people think. To find a compromise,
you must perform all kinds of intellectual gymnastics. You need to predict people’s needs,
empathize with multiple points of view, and find strategies to diffuse tension.
Conflict resolution requires empathy, patience, and incredible emotional control.
You may not think you’re doing anything special by keeping the peace. But someone
who can easily neutralize conflict is probably more intelligent than most.
8. Cognitive Mirroring Smart people are fast
learners. But why do they learn more quickly than everyone else? Imagine someone’s teaching you how
to shoot a basketball. Most people need to watch demonstrations multiple times before they gain any
kind of understanding. But highly intelligent people only need to see something once.
In other words, the smartest people can easily imitate others, allowing them to excel at new
skills. For example, they may win at games they’ve never played or learn instruments without a single
lesson. People might think you’re cheating because of how quickly you learn. But cheating
has nothing to do with it. You’re a quick study because you are secretly intelligent.
9. Recharge the Engine Highly intelligent people
are prone to mental exhaustion. Every day, they expend huge amounts of mental energy, diving deep
into complicated problems and demanding tasks. Because they spend so much energy, intelligent
people also experience intense fatigue. So, what can they do to recharge their engines?
People like Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, and even Napoleon Bonaparte were notorious nappers,
resting for short intervals throughout the day to perform at their best. Like these highly
intelligent people, if you take naps to rest and recharge, your brain may work harder than most.
10. The Cognitive Flexibility Test Most people concentrate on one thing at a time.
Ask them to do anything more, and they quickly become overwhelmed. Highly intelligent people,
on the other hand, juggle tasks like it’s second nature. They demonstrate high levels of “cognitive
flexibility,” which allows you to shift your attention and adapt to different situations.
So, how flexible are you? To test your abilities, try doing two or more unrelated things at the same
time. If you bounce between tasks without skipping a beat, you may be more gifted than you know.
11. Uncanny Recollections Do you often remember tiny,
seemingly insignificant details? For example, you might recall a conversation you had years
earlier. Maybe you surprise people with highly detailed memories from your younger
days. People might look at you amazed and ask, “How can you remember all that?”
But you’re probably not doing it on purpose. That’s just the way your brain works. You can
retain surprising amounts of information without even trying. Others lose track of small details,
but you absorb every detail like a sponge. Why? Because you may be secretly intelligent.
12. Finding Inspiration in Nature Many intelligent people have a special connection
with the natural world. For them, nature isn’t an obstacle or an inconvenience. It’s a source
of beauty and inspiration — a place to recharge, reflect, and consider your place in the world.
Our environment is full of intricate patterns and awe-inspiring sights. It can be exciting,
humbling, and thrilling, but only if you pay attention to all that nature has to offer.
Whether it calms your nerves or sparks new ideas, if you love the great outdoors, you may be more
perceptive and intelligent than you realize. Thank you for watching TopThink and be
sure to subscribe because more incredible content is on the way.