Intelligence is a tricky thing to pin down. It’s not all about acing tests or rattling off complex theories.

Psychologists believe there are certain signs that could indicate a high level of intelligence. And no, they’re not what you might expect.

In this article, we’ll explore ten signs someone is really intelligent, according to psychology. I’ll be sharing insights that may challenge your preconceived notions of what it means to be smart.

Let’s get started. 

1) They’re curious

Intelligence isn’t always about knowing all the answers. Rather, it’s about asking the right questions.

Highly intelligent people have an insatiable curiosity. They’re always seeking to learn more, to understand deeper, to explore further. This thirst for knowledge is often what drives their intelligence.

Albert Einstein once said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” And this is a sentiment many psychologists agree with.

Curiosity is a sign of an active and engaged mind – and that’s a surefire sign of intelligence.

It’s not about knowing everything – it’s about wanting to know everything. 

When you encounter someone who never seems to run out of questions, keep in mind, they might be one of the smartest people in the room.

2) They adapt easily

Intelligence isn’t just about knowledge, it’s also about adaptability.

I remember a time when I was traveling with a friend who is incredibly intelligent. We had planned our trip down to the last detail, but as you might guess, things didn’t exactly go as planned. Our flight was cancelled, our hotel booking got mixed up, and we even lost our map!

But my friend? He didn’t panic or get frustrated. Instead, he adapted quickly, finding alternative flights, negotiating with the hotel, and even navigating the city by memory!

This ability to adapt and find solutions in the face of unexpected challenges is a hallmark of intelligence. As Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

If you see someone who can think on their feet and make swift decisions when confronted with unexpected situations, that’s a clear sign of intelligence.

3) They’re aware of their limitations

This might seem counterintuitive, but one sign of intelligence is recognizing what you don’t know.

Intelligent people are not afraid to admit when they are ignorant about something. They understand that no one can know everything, and they see each gap in their knowledge as an opportunity to learn more.

There’s a certain humility that comes with intelligence. It’s about acknowledging that there’s always more to learn and never being too proud to ask for help or seek further understanding.

If you meet someone who’s comfortable admitting they don’t know something, that’s probably a person you can learn a lot from. They’re likely a lot smarter than they’re letting on.

4) They value alone time

Intelligent people often value solitude. They understand the importance of spending time alone with their thoughts, ideas, and imagination.

I’ve often found that my most creative ideas and deepest insights come when I’m alone, away from the noise and distractions of the world. This is something many intelligent people can relate to.

Laurence Sterne said, “In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.”

Intelligent people understand this – they use their alone time to reflect, learn, and grow.

If you see someone who seems to enjoy their own company, don’t mistake it for antisocial behavior. It could be a sign of a powerful mind at work.

5) They embrace failure

It might seem strange, but intelligent people aren’t afraid of failure. In fact, they often see it as a necessary part of the path to success.

They understand that every failure is a learning experience, an opportunity to grow and improve. They don’t shy away from challenges for fear of failing; instead, they embrace these situations as chances to stretch their abilities.

Albert Einstein, famously known for his contributions to physics and his profound intelligence, once said, “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

If you come across someone who isn’t afraid to fail, who tackles challenges head-on and learns from their missteps – you’ve probably met someone truly intelligent.

6) They’re open-minded

Intelligent people are often open to new ideas and perspectives. They don’t cling stubbornly to their beliefs, but are willing to consider other viewpoints and adjust their thinking when presented with new information.

They understand that the world is complex and multifaceted, and they’re not afraid to challenge their own assumptions and beliefs.

The renowned psychologist Carl Rogers said, “The very essence of the creative is its novelty, and hence we have no standard by which to judge it.”

If you see someone who’s always open to new ideas and willing to change their mind, that’s a good indication of intelligence. It shows they’re not just smart, but also wise.

7) They have a good sense of humor

Did you know that a good sense of humor can be a sign of intelligence?

I have a friend who always has us in stitches every time we hang out. His quick wit and ability to find humor in even the most mundane situations never cease to amaze me.

In fact, one study suggested that humor reveals intelligence, creativity and other ‘good genes’.

When someone has you laughing out loud, remember: their sense of humor might just be a sign of their intelligence.

8) They’re sensitive to other’s experiences

It’s a common misconception that intelligent people are cold or detached. But in reality, many highly intelligent individuals are deeply sensitive to the experiences of others.

They have a heightened ability to understand and empathize with people’s feelings and perspectives. This emotional intelligence, as it’s often called, is a key aspect of their overall intelligence.

Psychologist Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in the field of emotional intelligence, once said, “Empathy represents the foundation skill for all the social competencies important for work.”

If you know someone who always seems to understand and empathize with others, they might be more intelligent than you realize.

Their sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of their emotional intelligence.

9) They procrastinate…but in a productive way

Procrastination and intelligence…sounds like a contradiction, right? But, hear me out.

Intelligent people often procrastinate, but not in the way you might think. They might delay starting on a task, but during that delay, they’re usually processing information, planning, and coming up with new ideas.

Adam Grant, a renowned psychologist and author, supports this idea. He says, “Procrastination may be the enemy of productivity, but it can be a resource for creativity.”

If you know someone who seems to be a chronic procrastinator but always ends up delivering great results, don’t be too quick to judge. Their procrastination might actually be a sign of their intelligence.

10) They’re voracious readers

I love to read. And I’ve noticed that a lot of highly intelligent people share this love for books.

Reading is a fantastic way to expand your knowledge, explore different perspectives, and stimulate your imagination. Intelligent people understand this, and they’re often avid readers as a result.

Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, once said, “Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.”

If you know someone who always has their nose in a book, don’t dismiss them as a bookworm. Chances are, they’re exercising their intelligence with every page they turn.