As Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” Being intelligent means knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. It is being aware that no matter how much you know about the world, you still have a lot to learn. Most importantly, it is having the empathy to put yourself in the shoes of others and see the pain through their forced smiles.
Are you an intellectual? What is your definition of ‘intelligence’? Do you think some people hypocritically deem themselves to be intelligent?
Here are 8 telling signs of intelligence you can’t forge even if you wanted to:
1. You avoid engaging in meaningless conversations.
Small talk is simply not your thing. You believe that people should talk only when they have something valuable to say, which is exactly the way you communicate. Perhaps others find you strangely introverted for remaining silent most of the time. However, this shouldn’t bother you because you don’t need validation from small minds who cannot comprehend the meaning of a real conversation.
2. You know that there are a plethora of things you don’t know.
“All I know is that I know nothing.”
Socrates
Just like the enigmatic Greek philosopher, you are perfectly aware that you still have a lot to learn. You are always open to listening to different opinions and exploring new ideas. Moreover, the fact that you understand how much you don’t know serves you as a motivation to never stop being curious about the bewildering world we live in.
3. You have a curious mind.
Knowing that you still have plenty of things to learn doesn’t discourage you – it moves you. Getting to know new people, different cultures, and various aspects of life excites you. Not only it provides you with valuable knowledge, but it also grants you thrilling experiences you will remember for the rest of your life.
4. You are highly empathetic.
To be an intelligent person doesn’t require knowing a lot of things about a lot of things. However, it does require having a certain level of emotional quotient. In other words, being empathetic is one of the most evident signs of intelligence that you simply cannot fake. You may be the smartest person on Earth and still lack understanding and compassion for others.
5. You are most productive during the weirdest hours of the night.
You are a night owl, and that’s quite beneficial in terms of intelligence. That’s because staying up late gives you the opportunity to take advantage of the night hours. This is the time of artists, poets, overthinkers, and all kinds of creative individuals. Chances are you are one of them!
6. You neither overestimate nor underestimate yourself.
You are completely aware of who you are and what you have to offer. This gives you a precise sense of self-worth, which is crucial when it comes to deeming yourself an intellectual. You are definitely not amongst the people who believe they are better than everyone else because you know exactly where you stand in life, as well as where you can go from there.
7. You are the sarcastic one in your friends’ group.
“Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit but the highest form of intelligence.”
Oscar Wilde
Sarcasm is proven to be a clear sign of intelligence.If you have mastered this type of humor, you are definitely a creative thinker with a beautiful mind.
8. You take power naps to another level.
Sleeping is not only a way to take care of your beauty – it helps you nourish your mind too. Taking power naps every now and then positively affects your brain activity and gives you time to recharge. It makes you feel fresh, aware, and, most importantly, ready to conquer the world.
Do you find these signs of intelligence relatable? Let us know in the comment section!