When it comes to defining intelligence, one can argue that it can mean different things. Some people are more emotionally intelligent, some are more verbally, while others possess a high amount of logical-mathematical intelligence.
And while all these different types of people can be highly intelligent, there are some traits that all highly intelligent people have in common, according to researchers.
Here are 11 signs you are highly intelligent:
1. THEY ARE INSATIABLY CURIOUS
Albert Einstein once reportedly said, “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.”
Intelligent people are always fascinated by ordinary things, that others can’t even see or take them for granted.
One 2016 research found a link between childhood intelligence and adulthood curiosity and openness to different experiences. Namely, scientists who were following thousands of UK born people for 50 years, discovered that 11-year-olds who scored better at their IQ tests were more open to experience at an age of 50.
2. THEY ARE HIGHLY ADAPTABLE
All highly intelligent people are flexible, and they can easily get accustomed to any situation or a change of scenery. They are always able to act and get things done regardless of the restrictions or complications that are placed upon them.
Being intelligent means being able to mold yourself and change your behavior to deal more effectively or make changes in your environment.
3. THEY HAVE HIGH SELF-CONTROL
It takes a highly intelligent person to overcome impulsiveness and instead to plan, clarify their goals, find alternative solutions, and consider all the consequences before they happen.
Moreover, scientists have also found a connection between intelligence and self-control. Those participants who were more in control of themselves scored better on intelligence tests.
4. THEY LIKE THEIR OWN COMPANY
Hand in hand with high intelligence goes a great need for solitude. All intelligent people are highly individualistic.
Moreover, according to one research highly intelligent people don’t get as much satisfaction from socializing with friends as others do.
5. THEY ARE REALLY FUNNY
All highly intelligent people have an excellent sense of humor.
And scientists agree. According to a study, professional comedians are more intelligent than the average people – they scored higher on verbal intelligence tests.
6. THEY PROCRASTINATE. A LOT
All intelligent people procrastinate on the daily, ordinary tasks that they consider unimportant because their focus is on something much bigger and more important.
Procrastination is key to achieving brilliance, but you have to use it strategically, as Steve Jobs did. He was putting things off while spending that time letting more divergent ideas to come to him instead of going with the familiar, obvious, and conventional solution.
7. THEY ARE OPEN-MINDED
Smart people are open to new opportunities and ideas. They are willing to consider and accept other people’s views and solutions with openness and broad-mindedness.
Open-minded people have higher scores on intelligence tests, according to psychologists. Also, they are more careful when it comes to accepting and adopting new perspectives and ideas.
8. THEY CAN CONNECT SEEMINGLY UNRELATED CONCEPTS
Highly intelligent people notice patterns that others can’t. They can easily draw parallels between concepts and ideas that are seemingly unconnected in any way.
Do you think that there isn’t a relation between watermelon and sashimi? Well, you are wrong. They are both eaten cold and raw. And it takes a highly intelligent (and creative) person to see that.
9. THEY ARE SENSITIVE TO OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES
Intelligent people are empaths at heart. They can feel other people’s emotions and they can even “know” what someone thinks or feels at any given moment.
This makes them highly emotionally intelligent people as well, and curious about learning new things about people and their needs.
10. THEY CONTEMPLATE THE BIG QUESTIONS
These people often wonder about the mysteries of the universe and they are looking to find the meaning of life. Also, they always ask too many questions because they want to know everything.
This is why they tend to be more anxious. They are always seeing things from different angles and they are trying to find the meaning and purpose in everything. That’s why when they think about a new experience they find themselves wondering, “What’s the purpose of it? Why should I bother engaging in it?”
11. THEY UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH THEY DON’T KNOW
Intelligent people admit when they don’t know something. They are not ashamed to say, “I don’t know.” They know that no one knows everything, and when they don’t know something they can learn it.
Do you have these traits? Is a genius hidden in you?
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This was the best article I read about highly intelligent people. Well done.