Do you consider yourself to be an intelligent person? Have you been applauded for your creativity and smartness even after having a score sheet that says ‘Below Average’? If not, then you need to reconsider your definition of ‘Intelligence’. Find out the genuine signs of intelligence in a person.
It is a sad truth that our education system focuses too heavily on marks and grades everyone on the same scale. This type of system is never able to identify the signs of intelligence in a person.
There are kids who are able to mug up all the details and put it all out on the test, they get an ‘A’ on the test and are considered highly intelligent by everyone. Whereas, a kid having a ‘B’ or a ‘C’ can also be equally or even more intelligent than the kid who is supposedly intelligent!
As Einstein once famously said that our education system tests everyone to like – “Testing the ability of a monkey, a fish, and an elephant to climb a tree!”
Well clearly, this type of system cannot tell you if you are smart or not. So we have compiled a list of some subtle signs of intelligence. See for yourself where you stand!
1. You Are Empathetic Towards Others.
Psychologists now believe that having a high emotional quotient is very important to be called an ‘intelligent person’. Intelligent people are generally in tune with the emotions of the people around them.
You are super aware of things in your surroundings and thus you can catch any energy nearby. Empathy connects two people at a very personal level and thus to be able to do so, a high level of intelligence is very necessary.
2) You Understand How Much You Don’t Know
This means that you are a true learner, a person who is open to new ideas and new things. Your inner tendency to learn more allows you to look at all the tangential aspects of an issue.
You are never afraid of accepting your mistakes and learning new things every day. Also, by being open-minded, you are able to make a well-informed choice and thus are able to defend your view better. This clarity of idea makes you feel safer, as you know where you are standing.
3) Curiosity runs you.
One of the major signs of high intelligence is curiosity and inquisitiveness. Many studies have proved that a curious and open child is more likely to become a more intellectually curious person later in his/her life. Curiosity not only gives knowledge but also new experiences.
4) You do not underestimate or overestimate yourself.
You must have encountered people, who think they know everything. They develop a very biased viewpoint about everything.
The thing with these people is that they are not able to grow fully as an individual. In a study, it was proved that less intelligent people overestimate their cognitive abilities.
5) You are an expert in sarcasm and random silly jokes.
It might be surprising to know that people making silly jokes are much more likely to be ‘Intelligent’ than an average human. One reason behind this can be that only an intelligent person can improvise on the go.
6) You embrace solitude and avoid unnecessary actions or conversations.
Since ancient times, people have believed that the ones who do not talk to others are very intelligent. Introverts just want to fulfill their needs with the bare minimum and while doing so, they form a sacred bond with the mind. Thus the brain works a little differently for them.
7) The oddest hours of the night are the most productive hours for you.
Well, many religious authorities might condemn this point but studies have clearly shown that the people who sleep late and get up early in the morning are much more likely to be of higher intellect.
Sleeplessness can also be a medical condition and thus we request you to take this seriously if you are facing troubles due to lack of sleep.
8) You Like to Chew ‘’Gum’.
Yes, most of the studies conducted on chewing gums have shown that the habit of chewing gum can be a sign of very high intelligence. The chemicals of the gum are said to help your blood circulation.
Another study showed that if you chew chewing gum while preparing for your test, you can use the links created by your brain to store the information. Intelligent people feel even this slightest of difference and thus choose to eat chewing gum to memorize stuff easily.
9) You take smart and short naps often.
Well, you can think, what is up with intelligence and sleep? Many studies have shown that people who take naps are smarter. So if you are taking these short naps already, you’ll automatically be ahead of others.
In many cultures of the east, taking a nap is considered very good. They believe that small sleep connects you with higher authority. There is no rocket science with this one! You must have felt the positive effect of a nap yourself. After a nap, you feel more fresh and aware.
So, never forget to take a small nap whenever you can, it’ll go a long way in improving your intelligence. Just remember to keep the nap ‘small’!
his article was originally published on themindsjournal.