8 tiny behaviors that speak volumes about a person’s intellect (or lack of it)

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | January 16, 2025, 2:17 pm

If you see someone reading a book, you might think they’re intelligent. If they’re playing Sudoku, you might think they’re a genius.

But really, human intelligence isn’t as black and white as that. It’s a rich tapestry that can reveal itself in the most minute behaviors.

I’ve found that people who exhibit these 8 specific behaviors often have quite the intellectual prowess (or lack thereof). Let me show you what I mean.

1) Curiosity

People often overlook curiosity, but it’s a massive indicator of intelligence.

It’s that irresistible pull that draws you to new information, new experiences, and new perspectives. It’s the burning question that keeps you awake at night, the constant “why” that drives your every action.

Highly intelligent people are often insatiably curious. They’re not satisfied with just accepting things as they are; they need to know why they are that way and how they came to be.

So, if you notice someone constantly asking questions, digging deeper into topics, and seeking out new knowledge – chances are, you’re dealing with a pretty sharp mind.

Remember, curiosity didn’t kill the cat – it made it smarter.

2) Observant

Observation is another overlooked trait that speaks volumes about a person’s intellect.

I recall a friend of mine, John, who would always notice the smallest details in our surroundings. Whether it was a change in someone’s expression or a subtle shift in the room’s atmosphere, nothing ever slipped past him.

And it wasn’t just about being aware of his surroundings, but also about connecting the dots and drawing conclusions from what he observed.

I remember once we were at a party and John told me that he thought our friend Lisa was upset.

I hadn’t noticed anything unusual, but John pointed out that Lisa’s laughter was a bit too loud, her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, and she kept checking her phone – all tiny cues that suggested something was off.

Later, when we asked Lisa about it, she admitted she was having a rough night.

John’s keen observation skills and his ability to interpret the information he gathered showed me the depth of his intellect. It’s not just about what you notice, but also about what you do with what you notice.

3) Open-mindedness

Open-mindedness is a clear indication of intelligence. It’s the ability to consider different ideas, perspectives, and possibilities without letting personal biases get in the way.

Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest geniuses in history, was renowned for his open-mindedness. From painting to engineering to botany, he never limited himself to one discipline or perspective.

This ability to embrace a diverse range of fields and ideas is what allowed him to make groundbreaking contributions in so many different areas.

So, if you see someone actively seeking out different viewpoints, challenging their own beliefs, and not shying away from the unfamiliar, they likely have a high level of intellectual capacity.

After all, the world is a complex place, and it takes an intelligent mind to appreciate its complexity.

4) Adaptability

Adaptability is a hallmark of intelligence. It’s the ability to adjust to new situations and environments with ease.

Life is constantly changing and throwing curveballs our way, and it’s how we handle these changes that truly reflects our intellectual capacity.

Those who can adapt, think on their feet, and come up with solutions to novel problems are often the most intellectually gifted.

When you see someone navigating through life’s ups and downs effortlessly, or perhaps even thriving amidst chaos and uncertainty, you’re probably looking at a highly intelligent individual.

They’re not just surviving; they’re using their intellectual prowess to adapt and thrive.

5) Self-awareness

I’ve always found that highly intelligent people display a strong sense of self-awareness. They’re acutely aware of their strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and how they’re perceived by others.

I remember when I first started my career, I had a mentor who exemplified this trait.

She was always the first to acknowledge when she had made a mistake or didn’t know something. She understood her own limitations and wasn’t afraid to ask for help.

This level of self-awareness showed me that she was not only highly intelligent but also deeply authentic.

It’s not just about knowing facts or solving problems, but also understanding oneself and one’s place in the world.

So, if you notice someone displaying a keen understanding of themselves, it’s likely a sign of their intellectual depth.

6) Enjoying solitude

You might think that those who prefer to be alone are antisocial, but often, it’s a trait associated with highly intelligent individuals.

Many intellectual people are quite comfortable spending time alone, using it for introspection, reading, or deep thinking. They don’t always need the stimulation of others to feel engaged or satisfied.

For instance, some of history’s greatest thinkers and innovators were known to cherish their alone time. Albert Einstein once said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”

So, next time you see someone opting to spend their lunch break alone with a book rather than chatting away in the staff room, don’t be quick to label them as unsociable.

They might just be engaging their intellect in a different way.

7) Critical thinking

Critical thinking is a key indicator of intelligence. It’s the ability to analyze, evaluate, and form judgments based on logic and reason rather than emotions or personal beliefs.

A critical thinker doesn’t just accept information at face value. They question, probe, and dissect until they understand the core of the matter.

Whether it’s reviewing a scientific study, interpreting a piece of art, or assessing a political argument, critical thinkers are always on the lookout for underlying assumptions, potential biases, and logical fallacies.

If you notice someone consistently exercising their critical thinking skills in various situations, it’s a pretty solid sign of their intellectual prowess.

8) Lifelong learning

The most telling sign of a person’s intellect is their commitment to lifelong learning.

Intelligent people understand that knowledge is infinite and that there’s always something new to learn, no matter how much they already know.

They see every experience as a learning opportunity and every challenge as a chance to grow.

They’re not afraid to venture outside their comfort zone, explore new ideas, or take on unfamiliar tasks. They constantly seek ways to expand their knowledge and improve themselves.

If you come across someone who’s always reading, asking questions, and seeking new experiences, you can bet they have a high level of intellectual capacity.

After all, the true mark of intelligence isn’t what you know; it’s your willingness to learn more.

Wrapping up

As we journey through life, we encounter a myriad of people, each with their own unique blend of behaviors and traits. It’s fascinating how these tiny behaviors can provide such deep insight into a person’s intellect.

Whether it’s the insatiable curiosity of a friend, the keen observation skills of a mentor, or the self-awareness that we cultivate within ourselves, these subtle cues often speak louder than any IQ score or academic achievement.

Albert Einstein once said, “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”

So, as we strive to understand intelligence in its many forms, let’s not forget the power of imagination, creativity, and unconventional thinking.

After all, it’s these small behavioral indicators that often reveal the true depth of a person’s intellect.

So next time you observe these behaviors in others, or even in yourself, take a moment to appreciate the intellectual capacity they represent.

Because intelligence is not just about solving complex problems or acing tests; it’s about how we navigate and perceive the world around us.