On the surface, super smart people don’t seem all that different from the rest of us.
However, if you look below the surface a bit, you start to realise just how differently they operate and see the world. Here are some of the biggest differences between the extremely intelligent and those of us whose brain power isn’t quite so big.
1. They’re constantly curious about the world around them.
Highly intelligent people have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They’re always asking questions, trying to understand how things work, and exploring new ideas. This curiosity drives them to learn continuously, even about totally random things that are outside of their area of expertise.
2. They’re comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty.
While many people want clear-cut answers, the smartest people are more at ease with complexity and uncertainty. They understand that the world isn’t black and white, and they can consider multiple perspectives without feeling uncomfortable.
3. They have a remarkable ability to focus deeply.
When engaged in a task or topic that interests them, they can concentrate for extended periods. Their ability to focus so deeply helps them to delve into complex problems and come out the other side with some pretty creative solutions.
4. They’re avid readers across various subjects.
Reading isn’t just a hobby for them; it’s a way of life. They usually have some pretty diverse reading habits, and they make sure to consume information on a wide range of topics. Their breadth of knowledge helps them make unique connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.
5. They’re not afraid to admit when they don’t know something.
Contrary to popular belief, the smartest people are often the first to admit when they lack knowledge on a subject. They see not knowing as an opportunity to learn rather than a weakness, and they’re not afraid to ask questions or get clarification if things seem a bit muddled.
6. They have a keen sense of pattern recognition.
They’re really good at spotting patterns and connections that no one else even thinks to notice. As a result, they’re way more efficient at problem-solving and make predictions based on limited information.
7. They’re open to changing their minds when there’s evidence to prove a new idea.
While some people stubbornly cling to their beliefs, these people are usually more flexible in their thinking. They’re willing to change their opinions when presented with compelling evidence because they truly truth over being right.
8. They have a quirky sense of humour.
Intelligent people often appreciate more complex forms of humour, including wordplay, satire, and intellectual jokes. They tend to find certain things amusing that other people don’t quite get, leading to a unique and sometimes misunderstood sense of humour.
9. They’re often night owls.
Research suggests that people with higher IQs tend to be more active at night. This could be because the quiet night hours provide uninterrupted time for deep thinking and creative pursuits, or it might be related to evolutionary adaptations.
10. They’re comfortable with solitude.
While they’re not necessarily antisocial, they often enjoy and need periods of alone time. They use this time for introspection, problem-solving, and pursuing their interests without distraction.
11. They’re highly self-aware.
They tend to have a deep understanding of their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The great thing is that their self-awareness helps them recognise their strengths and weaknesses, and to deal with social situations more effectively.
12. They’re often perfectionists.
The pursuit of excellence is common among highly intelligent people. While this can lead to remarkable achievements, it can also result in self-criticism and procrastination when they feel they can’t meet their own high standards.
13. They have busy and creative minds.
They usually have vivid imaginations and minds that just never stop ticking. As a result, they might spend a lot of time in thought, exploring ideas, scenarios, and possibilities in their minds. They’re not ignoring you if they’ve zoned out — they’re just lost in thought.
14. They’re good at dealing with delayed gratification.
Studies have shown that people with higher intelligence are often better at delaying gratification. They’re able to resist short-term rewards in favour of long-term goals, which can lead to greater success in various areas of life.
15. They’re more likely to question authority and challenge the status quo.
They tend to think critically about established norms and aren’t afraid to question authority. That doesn’t mean they’re rebellious for the sake of it, but rather that they want to understand the reasoning behind rules and traditions.
16. They have a broad vocabulary.
An extensive vocabulary is often a hallmark of high intelligence. They tend to use a wider range of words in their speech and writing, which helps them to express complex ideas more precisely and eloquently.
17. They’re often early adopters of new technologies.
Intelligent people are typically quick to embrace new technologies and ideas. They’re often at the forefront of technological trends because they’re so eager to explore the possibilities and implications of new developments.
18. They’re more likely to engage in metacognition.
Metacognition, or thinking about thinking, is common among highly intelligent people. They often analyse their own thought processes, considering how they arrived at certain conclusions and how they might improve their reasoning in the future.
19. They have a strong sense of empathy.
Contrary to the stereotype of the cold, logical genius, many highly intelligent people possess a deep capacity for empathy. Their ability to understand complex situations often extends to understanding others’ emotions and perspectives.
20. They’re lifelong learners.
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of extremely intelligent people is their commitment to lifelong learning. They never consider their education complete, always seeking new knowledge, skills, and experiences to broaden their understanding of the world.
