Intelligence isn’t all about acing tests and solving complex equations. It’s far more subtle and deeper than that, psychology tells us.

Being highly intelligent often pops up in ways you might not notice. It’s in the tiny details, not always in the grand gestures.

Psychology gives us some non-obvious clues to spot those who are really brainy. And guess what? I’ve found 10 of them for you.

Here are some signs to help you identify those hidden geniuses around you. After reading this, you might even realize you’re one of them.

Let’s dive in.

1) They’re always curious

Highly intelligent people have this insatiable thirst for knowledge. They’re always asking questions, always learning, never settling for what they already know.

It’s not just about having a high IQ. It’s about being attuned to the world around them, constantly seeking new experiences, and not being afraid to question everything.

This isn’t just me saying this. Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The very essence of the creative is its novelty, and hence we have no standard by which to judge it.”

In other words, highly intelligent people don’t just follow the crowd or accept things at face value. They’re the creators, the innovators, the ones who see things from a different perspective.

When you meet someone who always has a question on their lips and an eager look in their eyes, take note. You might be in the presence of a highly intelligent individual.

2) They enjoy their own company

I’ve always been someone who enjoys my own company. I can spend hours reading, writing, or just daydreaming and never get bored. It turns out, this might be a sign of high intelligence.

Psychologists have found that highly intelligent people often prefer to spend time alone rather than in social situations. It’s not that they’re antisocial, but they have this unique ability to entertain themselves with their own thoughts.

This reminds me of a quote by Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. He once said, “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”

Highly intelligent people are comfortable in their own skin, content in their own minds. They don’t always need the stimulus of other people to feel satisfied.

If you know someone who enjoys solitude and can be happily lost in their own thoughts, they might be more intelligent than you think.

3) They embrace failure

This one hits close to home. I’ve had my fair share of failures, and each one stung. But I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end of the road, but a stepping stone to success.

Highly intelligent people understand that failure is an integral part of life. They don’t shy away from it, they embrace it. They learn from it, grow from it and use it as fuel to drive them forward.

Albert Einstein, a pretty smart guy himself, once said, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” These words ring true for every highly intelligent person out there.

They’re not afraid to make mistakes. They’re not scared of looking foolish. Because they know that each mistake brings them one step closer to success.

4) They’re adaptable

I remember a time when I had to move to a new city for work. It was scary and unfamiliar, but I adapted. I learned new routes, met new people, tried new foods. And that adaptability is a sign of high intelligence.

Highly intelligent people are flexible in their thinking and open to change. They don’t hold rigidly to one perspective or one way of doing things. They can shift their thinking based on new information or changing circumstances.

This adaptability was highlighted by psychologist Jean Piaget, who said, “Intelligence is what you use when you don’t know what to do.” In other words, highly intelligent people are able to problem-solve and adapt when faced with new situations or challenges.

If you notice someone who can easily adjust to changes and doesn’t panic when things don’t go as planned, they might be more intelligent than they appear.

5) They don’t think they’re exceptionally smart

Sounds counterintuitive, right? But it’s a fascinating sign of high intelligence. I’ve met some incredibly smart people who don’t see themselves as such. They’re humble and always believe there’s more to learn.

Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on the “growth mindset,” said: “In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses,’ you say, ‘Wow, here’s a chance to grow.'”

Highly intelligent people constantly strive for growth and improvement. They don’t rest on their laurels or let their egos get in the way of learning. They’re aware of their own limitations and are always open to new ideas and perspectives.

6) They’re empathetic

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is another non-obvious sign of high intelligence. It requires an ability to step outside of one’s own experiences and emotions to fully understand someone else’s.

Famed psychologist Daniel Goleman, known for his work on emotional intelligence, said: “Empathy represents the foundation skill for all the social competencies important for work.”

Highly intelligent people have this ability to connect with others on a deeper level, understanding their emotions and thoughts. This emotional aptitude complements their cognitive abilities, making them well-rounded individuals.

7) They value time over money

I’ve always believed that time is the most valuable resource we have. It’s something we can’t get back once it’s spent. And it turns out, this belief could be a sign of high intelligence.

Highly intelligent people understand the value of time. They prioritize it over money because they know that time is finite, while money can always be earned back.

Virginia Wolf said, “The only advice that one person can give another about reading is to take no advice, to follow your own instincts, to use your own reason, to come to your own conclusions.”

In other words, highly intelligent people make their own choices about how they spend their time, rather than letting others dictate it for them.

8) They’re comfortable with uncertainty

I’ll be honest, uncertainty scares me. Not knowing what the future holds can be unsettling. But as I’ve observed, highly intelligent people are often comfortable with uncertainty. They see it as an opportunity rather than a threat.

Renowned psychologist Erich Fromm once said, “The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.”

Highly intelligent people understand this. They don’t need all the answers to feel secure. They’re open to possibilities and aren’t afraid to delve into the unknown.

9) They’re not easily distracted

In a world full of digital distractions, you’d think that the ability to multitask would be a sign of intelligence. But it’s quite the opposite. Highly intelligent people are often not easily distracted and have a remarkable ability to focus.

Concentration or “flow”is one of the happiest of mental states – and we get there when we are deeply involved in trying to reach a goal, or an activity that is challenging but well suited to our skills.

Highly intelligent people can enter this state of flow, shutting out distractions and diverting their complete attention to the task at hand. They understand that multitasking often leads to mistakes and decreased productivity.

10) They appreciate simplicity

I’ve always admired people who can take complex ideas and simplify them. It’s a skill I strive to develop myself. And, as it turns out, this ability is often a sign of high intelligence.

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of our time, once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

Highly intelligent people have this innate ability to distill complex concepts into simpler, understandable terms. They don’t hide behind jargon or complex language. Instead, they aim for clarity and comprehension.

So if you encounter someone who has a knack for making complicated things seem simple, there’s a good chance they’re highly intelligent.