Intelligence is a curious thing. It’s not always the ones with the best grades or the highest IQs that are the smartest among us.

Trust me, I’ve delved deep into mindfulness and Buddhism, and I’ve learned there are a host of non-obvious signs indicating high intelligence.

Let me share a secret; intelligence can often be hiding where you least expect it.

And I’m here to shed light on some of these less apparent signs, all eight of them.

In this article, I invite you to look beyond the obvious and explore these eight non-obvious signs of high intelligence.

Ready to challenge your perceptions? Let’s dive in.

1) Curiosity and openness

Intelligence isn’t always about knowing all the answers.

Sometimes, it’s about asking the right questions.

And this is where curiosity comes into play.

Curiosity is like a driving force for intelligent people.

They have this insatiable thirst to learn more, to understand more and to question more.

They’re not satisfied with the surface level; they delve deeper.

And along with curiosity comes openness.

Intelligent people are often open-minded, ready to embrace new ideas and viewpoints, even if they challenge their own beliefs or comfort zone.

From a mindfulness perspective, curiosity and openness are akin to living in the moment, being aware and receptive to the world around you.

It’s about not being confined by preconceived notions but being willing to explore and learn.

2) Emotional intelligence

It’s no secret that high intelligence isn’t just about logic and reasoning.

Emotional intelligence is equally, if not more, important.

I’ve learned in my journey through mindfulness and Buddhism that understanding, managing and empathizing with your own and others’ emotions is a sign of a truly intelligent person.

As the renowned mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

This applies perfectly to emotional intelligence.

It’s about riding the wave of emotions, not getting drowned by it nor trying to stop it.

In my personal experience, I’ve found that those with high emotional intelligence tend to navigate life’s ups and downs with more grace and resilience.

They are adept at identifying and expressing their feelings, and at understanding and responding to the emotions of others.

3) Acceptance of uncertainty

There’s a certain beauty in accepting the unknown, and it’s a trait often found in highly intelligent individuals.

In the teachings of Buddhism, we come across the concept of ‘Anicca’, which signifies the impermanence and changeability of life.

It teaches us that everything is transient and nothing is permanent.

Intelligent people inherently understand this concept.

They are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty.

They don’t seek definitive answers to everything, but rather embrace the unpredictability of life.

This acceptance isn’t borne out of passiveness or defeat, but rather from a profound understanding that life is ever-changing and not everything can be controlled or known.

4) Mindful listening

One aspect of intelligence that often flies under the radar is the ability to truly listen.

We live in a world where everyone is eager to talk, to express their thoughts and opinions. But how many of us really listen?

Highly intelligent people understand the value of mindful listening.

This isn’t just about hearing the words that are being spoken, but really understanding and absorbing the message behind them.

In mindfulness practice, listening is an act of being fully present, of giving our complete attention to the speaker without judgement or distraction.

It’s about creating a space for understanding and connection.

5) Ability to let go

Ah, the art of letting go. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the hardest things to master.

As someone who has navigated the intricate paths of mindfulness and Buddhism, I can tell you that the ability to let go is a sign of high intelligence.

Intelligent people understand that holding onto anger, resentment, or past mistakes does more harm than good.

They know that to move forward, they need to release what’s holding them back.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I discuss how letting go is a core tenet of Buddhism wisdom.

It’s about understanding that clinging to negative emotions or past events hinders our growth.

So if you come across someone who seems to have mastered the art of letting go, don’t mistake it for indifference or apathy.

It’s quite possible this person has a high level of intelligence and a profound understanding of life.

6) Self-awareness

When we talk about intelligence, we often overlook one crucial element—self-awareness.

In my mind, the ability to look inward, recognize one’s strengths, weaknesses, emotions and motivations, is a clear sign of high intelligence.

Buddhism and mindfulness teach us the importance of self-awareness.

It’s about understanding our true nature, acknowledging our feelings without judgment, and realizing the impact of our actions on others.

Intelligent people possess this heightened sense of self-awareness.

They don’t shy away from their flaws but accept them as part of their growth journey.

They understand their emotions and how these feelings influence their behavior.

7) Adaptability

Life is unpredictable, and being able to adapt to changing circumstances is a clear sign of high intelligence.

Those who can adjust their thinking, behavior, and actions to suit different situations demonstrate a level of mental agility that is characteristic of intelligent individuals.

In the words of Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh, “Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the value of adaptability.

Change is not something to fear but a source of potential and opportunity.

Adaptable individuals don’t resist change; they embrace it, understanding that it’s an inevitable part of life.

Their ability to adapt gives them a unique advantage in navigating the ever-changing landscapes of life.

8) Ability to enjoy solitude

Contrary to popular belief, enjoying one’s own company isn’t a sign of antisocial behavior or loneliness.

In fact, it can indicate high intelligence.

Intelligent people often value solitude for its potential for introspection and self-discovery.

They see time alone not as something to be avoided, but as a chance for quiet reflection and mindfulness.

In the practice of mindfulness, solitude is seen as an opportunity to connect with your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without the distraction of external stimuli.

Unlock your potential: Where wisdom meets awareness! 

And there you have it—eight non-obvious signs that indicate high intelligence.

These traits highlight that intelligence is not just about academic prowess or logical reasoning.

It’s also about self-awareness, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to enjoy solitude—all elements deeply rooted in the practices of mindfulness and Buddhism.

For those curious to delve deeper into these teachings, I invite you to explore my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“.

It’s a journey of self-discovery that can help you understand life and yourself better.

Remember, intelligence comes in many forms. It’s always there, often in the most unexpected places.

The key is to know where and how to look for it. Happy discovery!