As much as it would make the world easier to understand, things like career success and advanced degrees don’t always actually mean someone is intelligent. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to identify someone’s mental abilities.
We’ve collected interesting and sometimes subtle examples of signs that someone is actually super smart from across the internet, from the ability to communicate with anyone to a superhuman skill at grasping new concepts. Get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own thoughts in the comments section down below.
#1
They change their mind when better info shows up.
48points
#2
When they are able to explain what they want to communicate succinctly and clearly, while having an awareness of the knowledge level of the audience they are speaking to.
I've had it happen in multiple fields that I see a colleague talking to someone outside the industry using industry-specific terms and expecting people to know what the heck they're talking about. I feel that comes from a level of emotional intelligence too to consider the understanding of the listener.
I've had it happen in multiple fields that I see a colleague talking to someone outside the industry using industry-specific terms and expecting people to know what the heck they're talking about. I feel that comes from a level of emotional intelligence too to consider the understanding of the listener.
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38points
#3
If a person hears or reads something and it sounds unbelievable, they go to other sources to verify the information.
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36points
#4
They don't blindly follow groups just to have an identity or because it's close enough.
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32points
#7
Finding a connection between two VERY VERY unrelated concepts/topics. LIKE YOUR BRAIN REALLY EXPLORED THAT FAR IN A SPLIT SECOND?
i see this when they're presenting and they just make these really uncommon similes and metaphors that just make them stand out to people.
good communicators, too, oftentimes... until you let them talk about something they're really passionate about, then it's a lot of rambling and word vomit because they're too excited.
i see this when they're presenting and they just make these really uncommon similes and metaphors that just make them stand out to people.
good communicators, too, oftentimes... until you let them talk about something they're really passionate about, then it's a lot of rambling and word vomit because they're too excited.
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23points
#8
They can talk about politics and religion without getting angry. Lol.
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22points
#9
All these answers are just what an average intelligent person would do. Ask questions, don't try to sound smart etc... high intelligence is scary and unsettling when you actually witness it. It's like you realize "yea, we're definitely not created equal". The speed at which they grasp a complicated concept, put their spin on it and come up with new ideas from that concept. Their memory, processing speed and innovation just to name a few things. That usually comes with a few eccentricities though.
21points
#10
They inherently take into account second and third order of effects. It’s not always some genius idea but rather an idea that takes the consequences and the consequences of the consequences into account with the decisions they make.
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20points
#11
I think EQ is as important as IQ. Showing humility and accountability. Being self aware. Being able to admit when you got something wrong. Reflection. Understanding other people. Being in a room full of others where everyone seems fine but you can read who isn’t fine.
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19points
#12
Humor. Catching a joke fast means to me they were paying attention, understand multiple angles of a subject, think very quickly, and recognize and appreciate the absurd aspect of something presented as normal.
If you tell a quick joke and a bystander laughs fast but the person you're talking to takes a while you know which one is sharper.
If you tell a quick joke and a bystander laughs fast but the person you're talking to takes a while you know which one is sharper.
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18points
#13
They can explain things on anyones personal level. From 5 year old to the college graduate.
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16points
#14
They are always learning and curious and never going around spouting off that they are 'high' IQ, or complaining about anyone else's IQ.
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16points
#15
This might not be instantaneous, but given time, you can determine intelligence by what someone finds funny.
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14points
#16
They’re able to understand hypotheticals and analogies. When you’re having a conversation (or debate) with someone and you make an analogy with metaphors, an intelligent person will quickly jump in and continue on the analogy. As soon as someone says ”but X is not Y” or ”but that’s not the same thing”, you know they’re not very bright.
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12points
#17
They know when to shut up.
If you only ever speak on subjects once you're properly familliar with them, you will always look educated.
If you only ever speak on subjects once you're properly familliar with them, you will always look educated.
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12points
#18
Their statements and opinions are nuanced, they integrate multiple viewpoints yet remain easy to understand and correct.
10points
#19
Someone who doesnt take long to learn things in general
like i don't have to elaborate or explain much and they'll get it.
like i don't have to elaborate or explain much and they'll get it.
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9points
