9 signs you’re an actual genius (and not just smart)

Avatar by Lachlan Brown | December 10, 2023, 9:18 pm

There’s a substantial difference between being smart and being a genius.

Being smart means you’re good at acquiring and applying knowledge. But being a genius? That’s a whole new level.

As a genius, you’re not just knowledgeable, but you’re extraordinarily creative, innovative, and can think in ways others can’t even fathom.

Now, how do you know if you’re actually a genius and not just smart? Well, there are some telltale signs. And trust me, it’s not just about your IQ score.

In this article, I’ll walk you through these indicators in an easy-to-understand manner. 

Let’s get started. 

1) You’re a problem solver

One surefire sign of a genius is an inherent knack for solving problems.

Geniuses are not just knowledgeable, they’re innovators and inventors. They look at the world differently, viewing challenges as opportunities rather than hurdles.

Consider this: when faced with a problem, do you get stuck or do you immediately start thinking of possible solutions? Do you enjoy the process of working through complex issues and finding resolutions?

Don’t get me wrong, being smart can help you understand problems. But being a genius? That equips you to solve them in groundbreaking ways.

So, if you find yourself enthusiastically tackling problems and coming up with creative solutions, there’s a good chance that you’re not just smart, but an actual genius.

It’s not just about finding any solution. It’s about finding innovative and original ones. That’s where true genius lies.

2) You see connections others miss

Another hallmark of a genius is the ability to see connections and patterns that others often miss.

Let me share a personal experience. When I was in school, I remember constantly making connections between different subjects. For example, when we were studying the Renaissance period in history class, I was able to connect it with what we were learning in art class, literature, and even science.

I wasn’t just memorizing dates or facts; I was seeing a bigger picture, a web of interconnections that made everything make sense in a profound way.

It was like my brain was constantly playing a puzzle game, connecting pieces from different boxes. And the thrill I felt when the pieces fit together? Unbeatable.

Now, I realize that this ability to see and make connections where others see separate entities could very well be a sign of being more than just smart.

If you too can notice patterns and tie together seemingly unrelated concepts effortlessly, then you might just be an actual genius.

3) You question everything

Geniuses have an insatiable curiosity. They’re not content with accepting things at face value – they want to dig deeper, to understand why.

Isaac Newton, one of the greatest geniuses in history, once said: “I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”

Much like Newton, if you find yourself constantly questioning things, not just accepting answers but wanting to understand the underlying principles or reasons, you might be more than just smart.

This unquenchable thirst for knowledge, this need to uncover the ‘why’ behind everything could very well indicate that you’re an actual genius.

4) You’re a voracious reader

Geniuses are often characterized by their extreme love of reading. They have an unending thirst for knowledge and reading provides an easy way to satiate that.

Be it fiction or non-fiction, reading helps you explore different perspectives, gain new insights, and learn about various subjects. It’s like a window to the world, through which you can explore uncharted territories and push the boundaries of your understanding.

If you find yourself constantly buried in books, exploring every subject that piques your interest, and always on the lookout for more to learn and understand, then you might just be a genius.

It’s not about how fast you read or how many books you have on your shelf. It’s about the curiosity and desire to learn that drives you to read in the first place. That’s what truly matters.

5) You embrace failure

While most people fear failure, geniuses understand its value. They realize that failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success.

Geniuses know that every failure brings with it a learning opportunity. It’s a chance to identify what didn’t work and to come up with a better approach.

If you find yourself viewing failures as learning experiences and not as setbacks, then you could be more than just smart.

This ability to see the silver lining, to learn from your mistakes and use them as fuel for your future success, could very well be indicative of a genius mindset.

True genius lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.

6) You feel deeply

Geniuses often possess an intense sensitivity and a deep capacity for emotion. They feel things on a level that goes beyond what most people experience.

It’s not uncommon for them to be moved by a beautiful piece of art, a poignant scene in a movie, or even the simple beauty of nature.

This emotional depth allows them to experience life more fully and adds richness to their creative endeavors.

If you often find yourself deeply moved by the world around you, if you feel things intensely and are not afraid to express these feelings, then you might be more than just smart.

This ability to feel deeply, to empathize, and to experience life in all its shades could indicate that you’re an actual genius.

Because at the end of the day, intelligence is not just about facts and figures. It’s also about understanding and expressing the full range of human emotions.

7) You have a restless mind

A genius’s mind is always active, always questioning, always exploring new ideas and possibilities. There’s a constant hum of thoughts and ideas, a ceaseless curiosity that keeps them engaged and alert.

I remember nights when I would lie awake, my mind racing with thoughts and ideas.

While the world around me was asleep, I’d be lost in my own world of thoughts, exploring different ideas, questioning established norms, and dreaming of possibilities. It was exhausting at times, but also exhilarating.

If you too have a mind that never seems to rest, that’s constantly buzzing with ideas and questions, then you might be more than just smart.

This relentless intellectual curiosity could very well be a sign of genius.

It’s not just about having an active mind. It’s about what you do with those thoughts and ideas that truly counts.

8) You’re independent-minded

Geniuses are often non-conformists. They are not afraid to think differently, to challenge established norms, and to forge their own path.

They don’t let societal expectations or norms dictate their thoughts or actions. Instead, they rely on their own judgment and intuition. They value their individuality and are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

If you’re someone who values your independence of thought, who’s not afraid to voice your unique perspective, and who often finds yourself going against the grain, then you might be more than just smart. This steadfastness in your individuality and your ability to think independently could very well indicate that you’re a genius.

It’s not about being different for the sake of being different. It’s about being true to your thoughts and ideas, even when they’re not popular or conventional.

9) You value knowledge over recognition

True geniuses often care more about the pursuit of knowledge than the recognition that may come with it. They are driven by an insatiable curiosity, a desire to understand and learn, rather than a need for accolades or validation.

If you find yourself constantly seeking knowledge, not for the praise it might bring but for the sheer joy of learning and understanding, then you might be more than just smart.

This passion for knowledge, this intrinsic motivation to learn and grow, could very well be the most telling sign that you’re an actual genius.

Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective

As we delve deeper into the human mind, we begin to appreciate the vast complexities and nuances that make us who we are.

When it comes to genius, it’s not just about an impressive IQ score or academic achievements. It’s about a unique way of seeing the world, a distinct approach to problem-solving, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Albert Einstein once said, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” This could very well be the defining characteristic of a genius – the ability to imagine and innovate beyond conventional boundaries.

So if you identify with these signs, remember that being a genius is not about superiority or bragging rights. It’s about embracing your unique perspective and using it to contribute positively to the world around you.

Whether or not you’re a genius, what truly matters is that you continue learning, questioning, and growing. After all, in the grand scheme of things, we’re all just explorers in this vast universe of knowledge.

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