- [Amanda] How can you tell if someone is intelligent?
Initially, we think it's the person
who claims to be so.
Ironically, the less intelligent are more inclined
to loudly and boastfully proclaim
their perceived intelligence,
which is usually overestimated,
while the truly intelligent
trend towards acting and believing
they are no smarter than the next person.
That's right.
This is not a fake-it-till-you-make-it applicable scenario.
One of the factors
that makes intelligence difficult to measure
is that the true intelligence isn't simply a test result.
Even IQ scores were not very well-regarded
by some irrefutable geniuses,
like the late Stephen Hawking,
who gave a less than complimentary assessment
of those who boast about IQ scores.
So, we've collected a few non-test score traits
that could reveal the brilliance within you.
Number one, open-mindedness and curiosity.
Socrates, a historically intelligent person, said,
"I know that I know nothing."
This simply is a statement that reminds us
that we do not and cannot know everything there is to know.
There is always something to learn
and open-minded people relish in that.
These lifelong learners don't fear
and shut out unfamiliar concepts.
Rather, they explore them,
intrigued by the new knowledge that could be gained.
They want to understand something in-depth
before forming an opinion,
rather than making a snap judgment.
Number two, an ability to acknowledge fault.
Part of intelligence is knowing more.
If you have a person who insists
that they're always right,
they're cutting off any possibility
of receiving new knowledge,
as intelligent people
don't tie their self-worth to a reputation
or a created persona.
Being wrong doesn't shatter them,
but opens up an opportunity
to expand their well of knowledge.
They also don't feel shame or inferior when apologizing
because they understand that even if a mistake was made,
they don't become less valuable as a person.
By admitting fault,
they're signaling that they are ready to improve themselves
by learning how to be less wrong.
Number three, a strong self-identity.
Know thyself?
Intelligent people do.
Does this mean that they override
and force others to the my way or the highway method?
No.
No, they do not.
They simply know who they are
and will do things their way
despite any peer pressure or TikTok trend
that might be telling them otherwise.
Tapped into their own psyche,
they are more self-aware than most.
This means that they not only know,
but accept all sides of themselves:
good, bad, and in between.
This knowledge allows them to give their best to others
and work on their weaknesses without collapsing.
Number four, being witty and sarcastic...
to a point, of course.
The stats don't lie,
and they say that humor and intelligence go hand in hand.
A recent study in Austria found just such a correlation
and argued that to get the joke and to tell one,
it requires both cognitive smarts and emotional ability.
You know how the success of comedy
is timing, timing, timing?
Well, intelligent people have been found
to have higher verbal and non-verbal intelligence.
So they've got delivery on lock.
Number five, being sensitive to other people's feelings.
IQ gets all the recognition,
but EQ, the emotional quotient, is just as important.
Having a solid, well-developed EQ
allows you to be less overwhelmed,
so you have the capacity
and willingness to understand those around you.
It means being able to have compassion for others
and look through their eyes.
This also means you could realize you messed up, not them.
However, because you're good with yourself,
you have the wherewithal
to learn from and improve the situation.
Having a high IQ alone,
having all the knowledge and facts
but no heartfelt perspective,
can be an isolating trait.
As they say, "No man is an island,"
and the smart thing to do
is to be able to connect with others, at least a little.
Number six, taking power naps.
Aha!
So that time in kindergarten was well-spent after all.
Don't believe us?
Then, believe Patrick Jane
from the show "The Mentalist."
He's a modern-day Sherlock
and resident's smartest person in the room
who solved nine impossible mysteries weekly.
He also made time to nap and recharge that precious brain.
No, we aren't claiming the value of power naps
based solely on how it happens on TV.
The General Psychiatry Online Journal
has findings that afternoon napping
was linked to better mental agility,
better locational awareness,
verbal fluency, and working memory.
If only we could implement power naps
into workplaces everywhere.
Although we can't take impromptu work naps like Mr. Jane,
this doesn't negate the fact
that these power naps are like nourishing brain snacks,
recharging them to take on the world.
And number seven, high creativity levels.
Creativity.
It's not just for artists.
It simply means being able
to think outside a usual perspective,
your own societal expectations,
even the one given by a group of friends.
So, yes, that friend who figured out
the rubber chicken and the pulley go together
to make a zip line handle is likely pretty intelligent.
Creativity lets a person excel at problem-solving
because they're willing to go beyond their comfort zone.
They have ideas and solutions not thought of by anyone else.
They can then make their vision a reality using knowledge,
good observation skills, and curiosity.
With what we've observed and experienced,
it's safe to say that simply getting a high score
on a paper test
is not the full scope of what the concept
of intelligence is.
It's like an umbrella
that covers numerous different aspects,
allowing different varieties of intelligence.
At the root of it all,
knowing who you are and continuously learning
while still being a positive force to those around you
is the best, truest way to be intelligent.
No faking needed.
Did you pick up on any of these signs
or do you recognize them in others?
Please feel free to comment and discuss.
We also feel it would be highly intelligent
to give us a like,
and we'll see you soon.