Throughout history, people have come up with some bizarre ideas about what makes someone smart.
Whether it was because they had certain (entirely random) physical traits or they exhibited some odd behaviours, many of these old beliefs seem ridiculous today — because they are! Nevertheless, these are just some of the strange things people used to think were signs of intelligence, which shows just how little we understood about cleverness. Thankfully, we’ve moved on a bit since then, even though it doesn’t always feel like we have.
1. Having a larger-than-average forehead
In the past, people believed that forehead size was directly linked to intelligence. A broad, high forehead was thought to indicate a superior mind, while a smaller one supposedly suggested lower intelligence. This belief was popular among phrenologists, who studied skull shapes to determine personality traits. Of course, we now know that intelligence has nothing to do with forehead size. Brainpower isn’t dictated by skull measurements, but at the time, people genuinely thought that a prominent forehead was a reliable sign of brilliance.
2. Having an asymmetrical face
While symmetry is often linked to attractiveness today, there was a time when some believed that an uneven face was a sign of genius. The idea was that an off-balanced face indicated a highly developed brain, with each side controlling different intellectual abilities. Some historical figures, including great thinkers and artists, were noted for their slightly lopsided features, reinforcing this myth. However, modern science has found no connection between facial symmetry and intelligence— it’s purely a matter of genetics and development.
3. Being left-handed
For centuries, left-handedness was seen as either a sign of genius or something sinister. Some believed left-handed people had superior problem-solving skills and creativity, while others saw it as a defect or even a sign of evil. Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein being left-handed only added to the belief that it indicated higher intelligence. While there are some studies suggesting left-handed people may think differently, intelligence itself isn’t determined by which hand you write with. Left-handedness is simply a natural variation, not a secret mark of genius.
4. Having a long, thin nose
At one point, a long, narrow nose was thought to indicate intelligence and refinement. People believed it was a sign of a sharp mind, while a short, broad nose supposedly suggested a less sophisticated intellect. This idea was particularly common in 19th-century Europe. These assumptions were based more on social class and outdated pseudoscience than actual intelligence. Today, we know that nose shape has nothing to do with how smart someone is. It’s just another inherited feature.
5. Having a melancholic personality
Being brooding and emotionally distant was once seen as a sign of deep intelligence. Philosophers and intellectuals were often depicted as serious, moody individuals, lost in profound thought. The belief was that true geniuses carried the burden of knowledge, making them naturally melancholic. While introspection can be linked to deep thinking, being constantly gloomy isn’t a requirement for intelligence. Many highly intelligent people are optimistic and social, proving that brilliance doesn’t always come with a dark cloud.
6. Being bad at socialising
In the past, some believed that struggling with social interactions meant someone was too intelligent for small talk. The idea was that geniuses had minds so occupied with complex thoughts that they couldn’t bother with ordinary conversation. While some highly intelligent people prefer deep discussions over casual chit-chat, intelligence isn’t defined by social skills. Many brilliant people are excellent communicators, showing that social ability and intellect aren’t mutually exclusive.
7. Having a receding hairline at a young age
Believe it or not, some people once thought early hair loss was a sign of intelligence. The idea was that an overactive brain generated so much mental energy that it led to premature balding. Some even believed that great thinkers lost their hair faster because their minds were constantly at work. Science has since debunked this, linking hair loss to genetics and hormones rather than intellect. Baldness might run in families, but it has nothing to do with brainpower.
8. Speaking very quickly.
Fast talkers were once considered highly intelligent because their rapid speech was assumed to indicate a quick mind. People believed that those who spoke at high speed had more thoughts than the average person and struggled to get them all out at once. While fast speech can sometimes indicate enthusiasm or confidence, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone is more intelligent. Some incredibly smart people are deliberate and slow speakers, proving that intelligence isn’t about how quickly you talk.
9. Having an unusually large head
For centuries, people believed that head size determined intelligence. A bigger skull was thought to house a bigger brain, which meant a greater capacity for knowledge. This idea led to the measurement of skulls in an attempt to rank people’s intelligence. Modern science has debunked this theory, of course — intelligence isn’t dictated by the size of your head. While brain structure plays a role in cognitive ability, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better when it comes to brain function.
10. Being naturally messy
The idea that messy people are secretly geniuses has been around for ages. Some believed that those with cluttered spaces had more important things on their minds than cleaning. Albert Einstein’s famously untidy desk only strengthened this stereotype. While some creative people thrive in messy environments, messiness alone isn’t proof of intelligence. Some highly organised individuals are just as intelligent, if not more so, showing that neatness and intelligence aren’t connected.
11. Having deep-set eyes
Deep-set eyes were once considered a sign of great intellect, as they were thought to indicate an introspective and thoughtful nature. Some even believed that people with this trait were naturally more philosophical and wise. In reality, deep-set eyes are simply a genetic feature that has nothing to do with intelligence. The belief likely stemmed from the idea that intellectuals spent a lot of time thinking deeply, leading to a more intense gaze.
12. Having long fingers
At one point, people thought long, slender fingers were a sign of intelligence and creativity. The idea was that delicate, refined hands were associated with scholars, musicians, and artists, while shorter fingers supposedly indicated a more physical, less intellectual nature. While some musicians and artists may have long fingers, intelligence isn’t dictated by hand shape. It’s another outdated belief that has no scientific basis, proving once again that physical traits don’t determine brainpower.
13. Being nocturnal and staying up late
The idea that intelligent people are naturally night owls has been around for centuries. Some believed that great thinkers and creatives worked best when the rest of the world was asleep, using the quiet hours for deep thought and inspiration. While some intelligent people do prefer working late, plenty of brilliant minds thrive in the morning. Intelligence isn’t about sleep patterns; it’s about how effectively someone uses their time, whether they’re up at dawn or burning the midnight oil.
14. Having a long face.
In certain periods of history, a long, narrow face was associated with intelligence, while a round face was thought to indicate a simpler mind. This belief was particularly common in phrenology, where facial features were linked to personality and cognitive abilities. Science has since debunked these outdated theories, showing that intelligence has nothing to do with face shape. Whether someone has a long face, round face, or anything in between, their intelligence is determined by their brain, not their bone structure.
