People Of Reddit Shared 30 Subtle Signs To Spot Highly Intelligent People And You Could Learn A Thing Or Two

While clever people might not advertise the fact that they’re smart, others sure seem to notice it.

Navkiran

• Published in Funny
• March 1, 2022

When we think about highly intelligent people, we base it on a few recognized characteristics. You may think it has a lot to do with the IQ of an individual, but it's more than that.

The thing is, even IQ tests are limited to reasoning, problem-solving, or memory. So, they don't reveal the overall picture of any given individual's intelligence.

And also, it's not like if someone's good at math, then he is intelligent. Intelligence is not limited to cognitive or intellectual abilities.

There's not really a middle ground for understanding intelligence, and it obviously goes beyond being "textbook smart." However, some subtle signs can give you an insight into someone's smartness.

You may not want to believe it, but even a good sense of humor is considered to be a sign of a creative brain. It's a scientifically proven fact, so it's highly possible that the quick-wit backbencher in your class is actually brilliant.

When the user blissfulhavoc took this question to Reddit, the people of Reddit had a lot to say and imparted some great insights. Some even quoted Shakespeare to support their points, while some displayed their humor.

The post is an entertaining ride with facts and stories shared by people. Check to see how many points apply to you.

1. Yup!

"IntoxicatedPlacoderm" left this comment, and it can't get any better than this. It all originates from a curious mind.

2. They don't shy away from accepting their mistake

They're willing to consider different viewpoints when presented with compelling evidence, and accept when they make a mistake. It's not hard for them to accept when they are wrong and are willing to apologize.

3. Brevity is the soul of wit

Smart people have a way of explaining complex things. They don't believe in showing off their cognitive abilities.

4. You must've heard about this one

One of the most common is they stumble over words and/or have bad handwriting. Because their mouth and hand have trouble keeping up.

5. They don't show off their knowledge

Intelligent people have a rational thinking process, and they don't indulge in meaningless debates. They prefer walking away than debating ignorant people.

6. They respect other perspectives

They don’t immediately attack you for having an unpopular view that’s different. Intelligence is being able to entertain an idea while not being convinced by it.

7. Quick wit is another sign

Witty people tend to have creative minds. Being able to come up with things on the spot is a sign of intelligence.

8. They explain or understand things with analogies

Two ways: - When it comes to a subject matter, they know they can deconstruct it in a way to explain it and use analogies to help it make sense to others.

With the subject matter, they don’t understand, they will ask questions for their own comprehension and ask you for examples/analogies so they can frame the concept in their mind.

9. They have the zeal to learn

A willingness to learn! Dumb people think they know everything, so they don't bother.

10. They are up for constructive criticism

In my experience, it's the people that are always open to a constructive argument, regardless of the topic. One big condition: this only counts when they're able to admit they don't know everything on the topic or ask people who know more about it to inform them.

11. There's no definite answer

There are so many different types of intelligence that it’s hard to narrow down one defining trait—social intelligence, spatial intelligence, problem-solving, etc. It also depends on what you need them to accomplish.

12. Avid readers are tend to be smart

Knowledge is power, and this power comes from reading. Intelligent people long for food for thought and to gain information.

13. They are good mentors

They get to deeper levels while explaining something and make sure the other person gets it as they intended. Mentoring comes naturally to them.

14. They know the art of putting questions

I’m an industrial technician troubleshooter supervisor. And sometimes I have to work with the electrical engineers.

The head engineer is highly intelligent, and the way and the order that he asks questions so he can come to an understanding of the Issue forces me to think in a process that hurts my brain. I don’t know how they can handle it Day In and Day out.

15. They are very observant

They take time to think and come up with their answers. When they do give their take on something, they do it cautiously.

16. Rigidity is the enemy of evolution

The ability to change their mind when presented with new information. Intelligence is, at its core, a constant reassessment of your own knowledge and the ability to acquire and apply more.

17. They are not quiet, they are listening

They listen instead of talk. A former CIA agent was asked this question and his answer was this because he said the quietest person in the room is listening to everything that’s being said which makes them the smartest and most dangerous.

18. Curiosity is the key

Intelligent people are driven by their curiosity. They accept they don't know something and look it up to know more about it.

19. Even if they walk away they learn from it

A very smart person once told me “if you walk away from any new challenge and didn’t learn anything, you weren’t paying attention”. Best advice I’ve ever heard.

20. You don't have to act smart if you are smart

They ask questions. Smart people don't get smart by acting like they know everything.

21. Sometimes it's subjective

There are different indicators of true intelligence. Moreover, living situations also impact a lot, so It can be tricky.

22. They have the ability to simplify things

They can explain difficult matters in an easy way. It's a work of art.

23. They ask good questions

Asking questions is the only way to get an idea about what you don't know. Intelligent people are not ignorant of their lack of knowledge and ask questions.

24. They take their time before answering

Waiting a few seconds to ponder a question before answering instead of blurting out the first thing that comes to mind. Their answers are thought out and to the point.

25. They are aware of their surroundings

They have a look. Their eyes look AT things/people, not THROUGH things/people.

And that doesn’t necessarily mean direct eye contact. You can tell they are constantly observing, consciously looking at the world, not just witnessing it passively.

26. They listen before speaking

They listen first and then speak or ask questions after understanding. The bright/intelligent people have an unusual ability to digest a situation and then posit a question or frame a position that cuts through the noise and advances everyone’s thought process.

27. They have different perspectives

Intelligent people think about things from different perspectives. And they are always looking to fill the gaps in their knowledge.

28. They are a little hard on themselves

They are aware of their limitations and just how much they still don't know. As a consequence, they also tend to underestimate themselves.

29. They have a unique thinking process

They listen to every word you say and ask a follow-up question that you never even thought of. But ends up completely changing your way of thinking.

30. Humor has a lot to do with intelligence

It's a proven fact that intelligent people have a great sense of humor. Now someone would argue it's a spheroid.

Reddit people shared some crazy signs of low-key intelligent people. Well, how many of these points made you go like, oh, that's me!

These are the things we often notice in people around us. And if you had someone in the back of your mind while reading this, then share this post with them.

Navkiran