We all want people to think we’re clever, but sometimes the things we believe make us look intelligent really don’t.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing certain behaviours or habits are signs of brilliance, when in reality, they might be highlighting a lack of awareness or understanding. Here are a few habits that are unlikely to make many people think you’re all that intelligent.
1. You use big words excessively.
While a big vocabulary is certainly impressive, using overly complex words in everyday conversation just makes you seem pretentious. It also makes you look like you’re trying too hard to impress people rather than genuinely communicating your ideas.
2. You always have to be right.
Being confident in your knowledge is one thing, but refusing to acknowledge when you’re wrong is a sign of arrogance, not intelligence. It’s okay to admit when you don’t know something or when you’ve made a mistake. True intelligence involves a willingness to learn and grow, mate.
3. You dismiss other people’s opinions.
Thinking you know everything and dismissing other people’s opinions is rude, invalidating, and off-putting. It shows a lack of respect for different perspectives and a closed-mindedness that’s basically the antithesis of intellectual growth. True intelligence involves being open to different ideas, even if they challenge your own beliefs.
4. You refuse to admit when you don’t know something.
Nobody knows everything, and it’s okay to admit when you’re out of your depth. Pretending to know something you don’t can lead to embarrassment and misinformation. Be honest about your knowledge gaps and show a willingness to learn. It’s a sign of humility and shows you’re all about learning, both of which are far more impressive than pretending to be an expert on everything.
5. You think critical thinking is always being negative.
Critical thinking isn’t just about finding flaws or disagreeing with everything. It’s about analysing information, evaluating arguments, and forming your own informed opinions. A true critical thinker can see both the strengths and weaknesses of an idea so that they can offer constructive feedback and contribute to meaningful discussions.
6. You only read things that confirm your existing beliefs.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of looking for information that confirms our existing biases. However, intelligence involves challenging those biases and being open to all kinds of different perspectives. Exposing yourself to varied viewpoints can broaden your understanding and lead to more nuanced and informed opinions.
7. You never change your mind.
Being stubborn and refusing to change your mind, even in the face of new evidence or compelling arguments, is a sign of closed-mindedness, not intelligence. Clever people are all about being open to new information, reevaluating their beliefs, and adapting their opinions when necessary.
8. You believe intelligence is fixed and can’t be developed.
The idea that intelligence is a fixed trait you’re either born with or without is a limiting belief. Research has shown that intelligence is actually incredibly malleable and can be developed through effort and learning. Embracing a growth mindset and believing in your ability to learn and improve is a key aspect of true intelligence.
9. You think being cynical makes you seem smarter.
A healthy dose of scepticism is important for critical thinking, but constantly being cynical and negative can be a sign of pessimism rather than intelligence. It closes you off to new ideas and possibilities, and prevents you from seeing the good in the world and appreciating different perspectives.
10. You confuse arrogance with confidence.
Confidence is an attractive quality, but arrogance is a turn-off. Being confident means believing in your abilities and expressing your opinions with conviction. Arrogance, on the other hand, is a sense of superiority and a disregard for other people’s feelings and opinions. You have to strike a balance.
11. You think intelligence is all about academics.
You can have all the fancy degrees in the world, but that’s only one facet of intelligence. It also encompasses emotional intelligence, social intelligence, practical intelligence, and creative intelligence. Reducing intelligence to just academic achievement ignores the many other ways in which people can be smart and capable.
12. You equate intelligence with memorisation.
Memorising facts and figures can be helpful, but it doesn’t necessarily equate to intelligence. True cleverness involves understanding, applying, and synthesising information, not just regurgitating it. It’s about thinking critically, solving problems, and coming up with creative solutions.
13. You believe intelligence is the only thing that matters.
Intelligence is valuable, but it’s not the only thing that matters in life. Kindness, empathy, compassion, and other interpersonal skills are equally important for building meaningful relationships and leading a fulfilling life. Focusing solely on intelligence can lead to a narrow view of the world and neglect other important parts of the human experience.
14. You think intelligence gives you the right to be rude.
Intelligence doesn’t give anyone a free pass to be disrespectful or condescending. Treating people with kindness and respect is the most basic element of being a good person, regardless of your intellectual abilities. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.
15. You measure your intelligence by your IQ score.
Source: Unsplash IQ tests can provide some insights into cognitive abilities, of course, but they don’t tell the whole story. As I said previously, intelligence is a complex and multifaceted concept that cannot be fully captured by a single test. Don’t get hung up on your IQ score or use it as the sole measure of your intelligence.
16. You think you’re too intelligent to make mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes, regardless of their intelligence level. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process, and they can teach us valuable lessons. Don’t let your pride or ego get in the way of learning from where you’ve gone wrong. Embrace your imperfections and use them as opportunities for growth.
17. You believe intelligence is about being better than other people.
Intelligence isn’t a competition. It’s about using your abilities to make a positive impact on the world and contribute to something meaningful. Comparing yourself to other people and trying to prove your superiority is a waste of time and energy. Focus on your own growth and development, and use your intelligence to make a difference.
