It takes time to know a person. After all, first impressions only scratch the surface, and we are far more complex than five minutes could ever reveal. But if you’re observant, you might pick up on certain cues that offer insight into what someone is really like.
To give you a clearer picture of what to look for when gauging intelligence, we searched the internet and compiled a list of subtle, tell-tale signs others swear by. From how they speak to how they handle adversity, here’s what to watch for if you want a better sense of those around you.
#1
When they don't actually know the answer to a query they admit freely, "I don't know".
librarychick77:
Or, even better - "I don't know, let's find out!"
librarychick77:
Or, even better - "I don't know, let's find out!"
65points
#2
Being able to step back and let people better equipped for the job at hand lead.
Stupid people want to be in charge all the time. Smart people know when it's better to let someone else lead.
Tablemonster:
Which is why the army has such a poor leadership model.
Stupid people want to be in charge all the time. Smart people know when it's better to let someone else lead.
Tablemonster:
Which is why the army has such a poor leadership model.
41points
#3
Ability to empathize. Emotional intelligence is sorely missed, when absent.
36points
#4
The most intelligent people i have met do not advertise themselves as intelligent people.
34points
#5
Spelling correctly and just caring about how you speak and write.
33points
#6
Asking questions!.... So many people don't, an enquiring mind is a sign of intelligence, as it's actively seeking/ gaining knowledge.
31points
#7
They refrain from voicing their opinion on topics they know they aren't knowledgable in. Also the self awareness to make that realisation.
anonymous:
I've met some legitimately stupid people who were self aware and joked about it, I couldn't laugh along though, made me feel like a jerk.
anonymous:
I've met some legitimately stupid people who were self aware and joked about it, I couldn't laugh along though, made me feel like a jerk.
28points
#8
Knowing when not to speak.
28points
#9
Problem-solving.
We're used to measuring intelligence by how much data or knowledge someone has "learned"/remembers, but in the age of constant connection, that's largely irrelevant. The ability to *use* knowledge, to actually solve a problem or think critically, is a lot harder to teach, yet also a lot more important.
We're used to measuring intelligence by how much data or knowledge someone has "learned"/remembers, but in the age of constant connection, that's largely irrelevant. The ability to *use* knowledge, to actually solve a problem or think critically, is a lot harder to teach, yet also a lot more important.
25points
#10
The ability to stay level-headed when somebody challenges one of your firmly-held beliefs.
23points
#11
A sense of humor. Not saying you have to be funny to be smart, but you generally have to be at least somewhat intelligent to be funny.
23points
#12
I've noticed highly intelligent people often stumble over their words and stutter a lot, almost like they're trying to say so much at once that they can't quite keep up with themselves.
miloblue12:
I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm intelligent, but while at work, I have so many things going on in my mind that sometimes I need a minute to step back and think about what I need to say. Otherwise, it just comes out as a jumbled mash and I also stutter.
My mind goes too fast...my voice, not so much. Half the time, people just stare at me and wonder if I'm functioning properly...or if I'm plain stupid. I think it's both.
miloblue12:
I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm intelligent, but while at work, I have so many things going on in my mind that sometimes I need a minute to step back and think about what I need to say. Otherwise, it just comes out as a jumbled mash and I also stutter.
My mind goes too fast...my voice, not so much. Half the time, people just stare at me and wonder if I'm functioning properly...or if I'm plain stupid. I think it's both.
21points
#13
Openness to discussion and a desire to hearing the other side. Ability to change one's mind when presented with facts/logic.
uncertain-ithink:
This gets me in deep stuff, because I love doing this. I want to hear the other’s opinion and sort of have a healthy, non-heated debate about it. Then they start getting hostile with me because I think differently. Then I regret ever wanting to “debate”. And I get a big “I told you so” from them, usually going “this is why you don’t talk about x”.
uncertain-ithink:
This gets me in deep stuff, because I love doing this. I want to hear the other’s opinion and sort of have a healthy, non-heated debate about it. Then they start getting hostile with me because I think differently. Then I regret ever wanting to “debate”. And I get a big “I told you so” from them, usually going “this is why you don’t talk about x”.
20points
#14
The ability to hold two opposed ideas in their head. A truly intelligent person can effectively argue a point and then effectively argue its inverse.
TijuanaPoker:
Sam Harris made a similar point on his podcast several episodes ago. Basically being able to hold both sides of a conversation coherently in your head or externally (I like to talk to myself but can do both) is actually a significant exercise in and of itself. It shows an understanding of topic and an awareness that your own thoughts are flawed, may as well consider the other side... It can almost seem schizophrenic to even yourself. But there is no better way to prepare yourself for an in depth conversation than to have already had it with one's self.
TijuanaPoker:
Sam Harris made a similar point on his podcast several episodes ago. Basically being able to hold both sides of a conversation coherently in your head or externally (I like to talk to myself but can do both) is actually a significant exercise in and of itself. It shows an understanding of topic and an awareness that your own thoughts are flawed, may as well consider the other side... It can almost seem schizophrenic to even yourself. But there is no better way to prepare yourself for an in depth conversation than to have already had it with one's self.
19points
#15
Rather than academically intelligent, but emotionally intelligent:
People who are good listeners. They take the time to learn all about the other person's problem without interrupting them, and are able to give perspective on the issue.
R63VinylScratch:
Listening is such an easy way to gain knowledge though. Especially since someone else is explaining it, most of the tine its already in simple terms. I love listening!
People who are good listeners. They take the time to learn all about the other person's problem without interrupting them, and are able to give perspective on the issue.
R63VinylScratch:
Listening is such an easy way to gain knowledge though. Especially since someone else is explaining it, most of the tine its already in simple terms. I love listening!
18points
#16
Someone who knows how to give proper constructive criticism and who can also accept criticism gracefully.
18points
#17
Appreciation of length, depth, details and complexity in the right context. Tired of this world being so obsessed with brevity and always trying to move onto the next thing.
18points
#18
A true sense of humor. It takes timing, being able to read people/situations, knowing when to shut up, and not taking ones self too seriously. plus, who doesn't like being around someone who's funny??
17points
#19
Listening rather than speaking all the time.
16points
#20
Curiosity. Always asking questions can sometimes make people appear child-like, which we often associate with less-developed intelligence.
15points