“A penny for your thoughts” – we all have heard this saying at least once in our lives. But what happens when the thoughts in question belong to an intelligent individual?

The truth is, intelligent people often have a world of thoughts that they choose to keep under wraps. It’s not because they’re secretive or introverted – it’s just that they have their reasons.

Ever wondered about the inner workings of an intelligent mind? Well, let me shed some light on the matter.

In this article, I’ll be unveiling seven things that intelligent individuals tend to keep private. It’s a fascinating journey into the depths of their cognition and it might just surprise you.

So sit back, and prepare yourself for a little insight into the private world of intelligent individuals. You might discover that you have more in common with them than you think.

1) Their level of intelligence

Here’s the first revelation – intelligent people don’t usually go around advertising how smart they are. Why, you might ask?

Well, it’s simple.

They understand that intelligence is a nuanced concept. It’s not just about acing an exam or solving complex equations. It’s about emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, creativity, and so much more.

Essentially, they don’t feel the need to prove their intelligence to anyone. They let their actions speak for them.

Also, they’re aware that being openly boastful about their intelligence can come off as arrogant or intimidating. They prefer to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share their thoughts and ideas.

So next time you meet someone who doesn’t brag about their IQ or their Mensa membership, don’t underestimate them. They might just be one of the quiet intellectuals who prefer to keep their smarts under wraps.

2) Their personal struggles

Here’s the thing about intelligent people – they have their fair share of struggles too, just like everyone else. But they often keep these private, choosing to deal with them internally rather than sharing with the world.

Let me share a personal example.

A few years back, I was going through a particularly rough patch. It was a testing time both personally and professionally. But instead of sharing my problems openly, I chose to keep them to myself.

Why? Well, I’ve always believed that every struggle is an opportunity for growth. And sometimes, that growth happens best in private. I knew I had to face my issues head-on and find my own solutions.

This doesn’t mean that intelligent people don’t seek help when they need it, but their first instinct is often to try and sort things out on their own. It’s a testament to their resilience and problem-solving abilities – qualities that set them apart.

3) Their deepest fears

Intelligence doesn’t make one immune to fear. The fear of failure, the fear of rejection, or even the fear of success – intelligent individuals harbor these fears just like anyone else.

Let me paint a picture for you.

Imagine someone who’s known for their intellect. They’re admired for their quick wit, their seemingly endless knowledge, and their ability to solve problems with ease.

But in the quiet corners of their heart, they harbor a deep-seated fear – the fear of one day not being the smartest person in the room.

This might sound strange to some. After all, why would someone so smart fear something like that?

But that’s just it – it’s not about logic or reason. Fears are deeply personal and often illogical. And intelligent people, despite their rational thinking abilities, are not exempt from this.

They might fear that their intellect is the only thing that sets them apart, that without it they’ll lose their identity. Or they might fear the expectations that come with being known as “the smart one”.

But these fears are rarely voiced. They’re kept tucked away, hidden in the shadows of their mind.

4) Their personal goals and aspirations

Another aspect that intelligent people often keep private are their personal goals and aspirations.

You may assume that someone with a high level of intelligence would be open about their ambitions, given that they typically have the skills and abilities to achieve them.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

Intelligent individuals often prefer to keep their dreams and ambitions close to their chest. They’re not interested in broadcasting their plans or seeking external validation for their goals.

Instead, they quietly chart their path, breaking down their big dreams into achievable steps and working towards them with determination. They understand that success is not about grand announcements but consistent effort.

And there’s something else too. They know that sharing goals can sometimes lead to unwarranted advice or unnecessary comparisons, which can be more distracting than helpful.

5) Their failure history

Contrary to popular belief, intelligent people don’t always get it right the first time. They too have a history of failures – missed opportunities, wrong decisions, and unsuccessful attempts. But they often choose to keep these experiences private.

While society tends to glorify success and stigmatize failure, intelligent individuals understand that failure is an integral part of the learning process.

Did you know that Thomas Edison, the brilliant inventor of the light bulb, failed a whopping 1000 times before he finally succeeded?

Rather than dwelling on their failures or using them as fodder for public conversation, intelligent individuals prefer to dissect these experiences in private.

They meticulously analyze what went wrong, what they could have done better and how they can avoid similar mistakes in the future.

6) Their acts of kindness

Intelligent people often engage in acts of kindness and empathy, but they usually prefer to keep these deeds out of the public eye.

Why is that?

Well, they believe in doing good for the sake of doing good, not for recognition or praise. They understand that the real value of an act of kindness lies in its intent, not in the applause it might generate.

Let’s say, for example, an intelligent individual regularly volunteers at a local shelter, mentors young minds in their spare time, or helps fund a friend’s startup. They do these acts out of genuine compassion and desire to make a positive impact, not to broadcast their benevolence.

This silent generosity reflects their deep empathy and understanding of the world around them. They don’t need their good deeds to be acknowledged or validated by others – the act itself is reward enough for them.

7) Their self-doubt

Even the most intelligent individuals grapple with self-doubt. Despite their achievements and abilities, there are moments when they question their worth, their capabilities, and their decisions.

This might come as a surprise. After all, aren’t intelligent people supposed to be confident and self-assured?

The truth is, self-doubt does not discriminate. It can creep in regardless of one’s intelligence level. But intelligent individuals often keep this private, choosing to wrestle with their doubts in solitude.

They understand that self-doubt, while uncomfortable, can also be a powerful motivator. It can push them to strive for improvement, seek new knowledge, and question the status quo.

So if you ever find yourself doubting your worth or capabilities, know that you’re not alone. Even the brightest minds have been there. 

Finding perspective

Understanding the private nature of intelligent individuals can bring about a profound shift in perspective. It’s a reminder that intelligence is far more nuanced and personal than what meets the eye.

The take-away here isn’t to start hiding aspects of our lives or start second guessing our openness.

Instead, it’s about recognizing that everyone, regardless of their intelligence, has a private world – a realm of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that they choose to keep to themselves.

It’s about acknowledging that these hidden aspects aren’t signs of weakness or insecurity, but rather markers of introspection and self-awareness.

Remember, intelligence lies not just in what we reveal to the world, but also in what we choose to keep to ourselves. And sometimes, it’s within our private world that we truly discover who we are.

So here’s to embracing the power of privacy – a trait often overlooked yet inherently present in all intelligent individuals. May it lead you on a path of self-discovery and growth, enriching your understanding of yourself and the world around you.