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.
#21
Musical or artistic ability. I think there are different kinds of intelligence. Or at least intelligence that manifests itself in different forms. A gifted artist or musician has intellectual chops. They are using their brain to produce things that others, myself included, have only a limited capacity to understand or produce.
14points
#22
They think before opening their mouth.
They can explain complicated things to people, knowing when to gloss over complexities and when to explain details.
They can explain complicated things to people, knowing when to gloss over complexities and when to explain details.
14points
#23
They ask questions they already know answers to by utilizing whataboutism thus guiding you to the answer of your own question.
ObliviousFriend:
One of my elementary school teachers used to let kids who finished early help. Although, she would have us lead them through it with questions and hints like a teacher would, I have done this every time I have helped from then onwards. I would credit my teacher more than my own intelligence though.
ObliviousFriend:
One of my elementary school teachers used to let kids who finished early help. Although, she would have us lead them through it with questions and hints like a teacher would, I have done this every time I have helped from then onwards. I would credit my teacher more than my own intelligence though.
13points
#24
- listening intently even though they are the real experts in the area
- listening and learning when they know nothing about the subject
- willingness to ask for help when they're stuck.
- listening and learning when they know nothing about the subject
- willingness to ask for help when they're stuck.
13points
#25
I've noticed that intelligent people are never really satisfied.
Whether it's kids always wanting to learn more and never stop, or adults always trying to do things to improve themselves or their life. For example, people who make a ton of money may not feel like theyre satisfied with their job and will want to do more.
Whether it's kids always wanting to learn more and never stop, or adults always trying to do things to improve themselves or their life. For example, people who make a ton of money may not feel like theyre satisfied with their job and will want to do more.
12points
#26
Intelligent people learn for the sake of learning, regular people learn for an outcome.
ApolloniusDrake:
I know a very smart person who stopped there degree at a masters in engineering to make money and have a family. I know another very smart person who currently has a PHD at Stanford and still does research at Stanford.
I feel people value different roads in life. Some like money. Some like learning. Some like the arts. Etc. To base someones intelligence on them wanting to learn or not is false.
However if you want to base someones intelligence on there ability to absorb information then you would be very correct. Your ability to pick up on random facts and then remember them would show great intelligence.
ApolloniusDrake:
I know a very smart person who stopped there degree at a masters in engineering to make money and have a family. I know another very smart person who currently has a PHD at Stanford and still does research at Stanford.
I feel people value different roads in life. Some like money. Some like learning. Some like the arts. Etc. To base someones intelligence on them wanting to learn or not is false.
However if you want to base someones intelligence on there ability to absorb information then you would be very correct. Your ability to pick up on random facts and then remember them would show great intelligence.
12points
#27
Being clear and concise, while using sensible vocabulary and verbiage.
The people who waffle on at great length, using excess vocabulary as if they swallowed a dictionary? They're usually very dumb and desperately trying to compensate for it.
librarychick77:
But big words are fun...and accuracy is important. Especially in written conversations.
There are lots of words to pick from, so why not pick the 'best' ones for your meaning?
The people who waffle on at great length, using excess vocabulary as if they swallowed a dictionary? They're usually very dumb and desperately trying to compensate for it.
librarychick77:
But big words are fun...and accuracy is important. Especially in written conversations.
There are lots of words to pick from, so why not pick the 'best' ones for your meaning?
11points
#28
They don't argue a point before letting the other person compromise himself without hope for redemption.
11points
#29
I would say careful timing. Shows situational awareness.
10points
#30
Listening more than you talk.
9points
#31
Active listening - actually listening to what someone is saying and asking questions to help them clarify their position.
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9points
#33
Observing their surroundings/noticing things, being more open to opinions, more empathy in general.
There's so many variations of intelligence though, I would actually be interested to see a thread like signs of experience.
There's so many variations of intelligence though, I would actually be interested to see a thread like signs of experience.
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8points
#34
They can refrain from arguing when they see it's pointless.
Lots of people assume a guy who doesn't voice out and engage in arguments is because he isn't intelligent enough or witty enough to carry himself through.
A lot of times they can, they just don't see the worth in it.
For example, involving politics, instead of engaging in an argument with a person in class who is very emotionally involved and rather passionate in the moment yelling things, you can chuckle and say smile and let the person think they've won.
Lots of people assume a guy who doesn't voice out and engage in arguments is because he isn't intelligent enough or witty enough to carry himself through.
A lot of times they can, they just don't see the worth in it.
For example, involving politics, instead of engaging in an argument with a person in class who is very emotionally involved and rather passionate in the moment yelling things, you can chuckle and say smile and let the person think they've won.
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8points
#35
People who move their eyes without moving their heads. I mean, they look around, but they don't turn their heads unless they have to.
I don't know what the connection is, but I'm a teacher, I've taught over 2000 kids now, and the really self-aware ones tend to direct their eyes without turning their whole heads.
anonymous:
This is really interesting. I wonder if it has to do with being aware of what they look like.
For example, I had a friend that would turn her head to stare at someone if she was trying to listen to their conversation. It baffled me that she was so unaware of how weird she looked.
I don't know what the connection is, but I'm a teacher, I've taught over 2000 kids now, and the really self-aware ones tend to direct their eyes without turning their whole heads.
anonymous:
This is really interesting. I wonder if it has to do with being aware of what they look like.
For example, I had a friend that would turn her head to stare at someone if she was trying to listen to their conversation. It baffled me that she was so unaware of how weird she looked.
7points
#36
Controversial as it may seem, the most truthful people are usually the most intelligence. Not only are they more able to see themselves clearly and accept themselves instead of lying to themselves, but also this.
Everyone lies to a degree. Intelligent people are usually much better liars - not at convincing people; but at knowing what lies will work and what won't. As such, the ones you believe are liars are probably dumb, whereas the honest people are just much smarter. Maybe.
Everyone lies to a degree. Intelligent people are usually much better liars - not at convincing people; but at knowing what lies will work and what won't. As such, the ones you believe are liars are probably dumb, whereas the honest people are just much smarter. Maybe.
5points
#37
Being good at puns. Everyone who I know that is sharp minded is usually ready with a pun.
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5points
#38
Good signs
- Curiosity. Wanting to know why everything happens, or how.
- People who ask, "What about this variable?" They consider more than what they are presented with in order to complete the scenario.
Some Bad signs
- Sometimes unable to come to a conclusion due to too many variables. There isn't always an elegant solution.
- Self aware of their intelligence. leads to arrogance.
- Curiosity. Wanting to know why everything happens, or how.
- People who ask, "What about this variable?" They consider more than what they are presented with in order to complete the scenario.
Some Bad signs
- Sometimes unable to come to a conclusion due to too many variables. There isn't always an elegant solution.
- Self aware of their intelligence. leads to arrogance.
5points
#39
Im not sure whether its overlooked, but I think how someone can deal with hypotheticals is a good indicator. Not being able to work within the rules of a hypothetical is probably a good sign of a lack of intelligence, or at the very least a lack of intellectual honesty.
5points
#40
People who know how to handle people.
They can see a situation going south and subtly influence interactions to avoid danger, or keep from escalating a situation.
Either through carefully worded sentences to descalate a situation, provide missing context before a misunderstanding occurs, pointedly including ignored parties into a discussion, or just rearranging the room.
Its strategic, deliberate, and subtle. It predicts cause and effect all towards creating a idealised outcome.
They can see a situation going south and subtly influence interactions to avoid danger, or keep from escalating a situation.
Either through carefully worded sentences to descalate a situation, provide missing context before a misunderstanding occurs, pointedly including ignored parties into a discussion, or just rearranging the room.
Its strategic, deliberate, and subtle. It predicts cause and effect all towards creating a idealised outcome.
Report
5points
