10 Signs You Are an Intelligent Person — Even If You Don’t Know It

Intelligence is not just about IQ scores.

We humans are complex, and there are multiple types of intelligence.

The most genius and creative people I have met in

art, painting, and music

were often the least intelligent in science class.

Also, some of the most successful entrepreneurs

and businessmen I have met had the worst grades ever.

A single test can’t give a clear picture of intelligence

because there are other factors to consider.

Don’t limit yourself to a single IQ test.

Here are 10 signs that you might be a smart person:

1. You Are Creative

Creativity is the ability to come up with new and different ideas.

It is a definitive sign of intelligence

because it requires thinking outside the box.

School often kills creativity

and forces students to think in one way only.

But life is complex, and there are many

answers, interpretations, and understandings to a question.

As the saying goes, “Creativity is its own brand of smart.”

Creativity is everywhere; it is in

• science
• art
• music
• cooking
• business innovation
• performance
• theories
• humor
• marketing
• strategy
• leadership
• social interaction.

Find what makes you creative; the world needs that.

2. You Value Solitude

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert,

intelligence typically involves spending time in your own head.

There is a misconception about

extroverts that they can’t stay alone.

However, people who find peace in their own solitude

and value that time are definitely intelligent.

As Pablo Picasso said,

“Without great solitude, no serious work is possible.”

To come up with something great,

you really need to stay away from distractions

and let your mind be still.

3. You Are Curious

Simple explanations never satisfy you; you want to know more.

You enjoy reading and exploring what others may see as trivial.

You don’t explore and read just for answers; you do it

because you love doing so.

When you want answers to your questions,

you go looking for them.

You continue learning; you love to learn.

The more you learn, the smarter you get.

Curiosity is a part of you, and it is not just about the external world;

it is also about your own thoughts and way of thinking.

4. You Worry a Lot

People tend to look at anxiety as a negative trait,

but the essential function of anxiety is recognizing

and responding to danger.

This worry often involves brainstorming plans

to handle a situation or thinking of ways to avoid trouble,

which requires high cognitive function.

A lot of intelligent people are overthinkers.

They are wired to think a lot.

I read somewhere that you know a person is a fool

when they are always happy.

Though that is not 100% true,

there is truth to the idea that ignorance is bliss.

5. You Are Observant

Noticing what happens around you can suggest intelligence.

You observe not to judge, but to learn and understand.

You like gathering information before making a judgment.

Observing can relate to different types of intelligence, such as:

• Naturalist intelligence
• Spatial-visual intelligence
• Verbal-linguistic intelligence

If you have ever noticed, the most socially intelligent people

rarely judge quickly.

They first try to understand.

6. You Are Funny

Being hilarious is a definite sign of intelligence

because you have to come up with a scenario

that makes people laugh instantly.

This happens very fast without your conscious awareness.

Albert Einstein attributed his brilliant mind to having

a childlike sense of humor.

Researchers have discovered that funny people often have higher

IQs than their less funny peers because humor requires mental agility.

That funny friend who makes

the whole group laugh is definitely intelligent.

7. You Have a Talent for Keeping the Peace

Getting along well with others and resolving conflicts

may not automatically translate to academic genius;

however, most would agree it is a useful form of intelligence.

It is a sign of emotional intelligence,

which is a very important form of intelligence.

As Robert Kiyosaki says:

“Intelligence is the ability to solve problems.”

8. You Are Self-Aware

You have a good perception of your:

• Abilities
• Values
• Goals

A strong self-identity typically means you feel secure,

know your skills, and have confidence in who you are.

Self-awareness is beneficial

because it helps you get along with others

and makes you an excellent teammate.

9. You Are Empathetic

You have the ability to experience things

from someone else’s perspective.

Empathy allows for multiple perceptions

and may be the highest form of human intelligence.

People with high emotional intelligence generally have

a good awareness of what others think and feel,

allowing them to navigate social situations effectively.

You can easily solve a problem before it arises

and predict outcomes based on human behavior.

10. You Are Open-Minded

Smart people don’t close themselves off to

new ideas or opportunities.

They retain their childhood curiosity.

Highly intelligent people tend to stay open-minded

to others’ points of view.

This makes them confident about their opinions

once formed and less likely to be manipulated.

That’s why having an intelligent person in your life is a blessing.