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People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person

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More often than not, we notice the not-so-bright people walking around us, blaring their extreme opinions while being completely uninformed on the subject. It’s one of life’s great mysteries—those of lesser intelligence tend to overestimate how clever they are, while smart people do the exact opposite.

So when user blissfulhavoc posted “What is a subtle sign that someone is intelligent/sharp?” on r/AskReddit, fellow members quickly rolled up their sleeves. It seems that clever people might not advertise the fact that they’re smart but others sure do notice it. Hundreds started sharing their opinions about the tell-tale traits that prove someone is bright and sharp.

Find the best answers Bored Panda has collected from this viral thread right below, and share your thoughts with us in the comments. Psst! After you’re done, be sure to check out our previous post on even more signs that might prove you’re smarter than you think.

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#1

When they don't know something they look it up immediatly. They can't stand not knowing because they are curious about it and want to know more.

Final score:

293points

Joy 2 years ago

It's only when I left school that I realised learning is fun

134points

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#2

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person I think there are so many different types of intelligence that it’s hard to narrow down one defining trait. Social intelligence, spatial intelligence, problem solving, etc.

I’m from a very rural area with a high poverty rate. I grew up working on a cattle ranch. One of the guys I worked with had to drop out of school in 4th grade to work full time doing agricultural work for his family. He had to work really hard as an adult to reach even a 6th grade reading level. He doesn’t read for pleasure, and by the standards of an educated, urban person, he’d be considered pretty ignorant. However, he can build anything. Fences, mechanical things, buildings, sprinkler systems, you name it. He’s funny as hell, and as a kid working around him I had no idea he was barely literate until his 30s.

One of my brothers is absolutely brilliant. Well read, follows world politics, works in IT at a high level. He’s the smartest person I know, easily, in terms of processing complicated information and retaining it in a useful way. He could absolutely build a computer, but put him on a horse and ask him to go get cattle off the back forty or repair a fence and… no way. He’s also good company, but not always the most socially adept, in that he has almost no street smarts and doesn’t understand concepts like flattery, or other mostly harmless ways that people manipulate those around them as a social lubricant.

Which one of them is smarter? Depends on what you need them to accomplish.

EO_Equestrian , pexels Report

Final score:

284points

Joy 2 years ago

I agree. I know surgeons whose brains can only function in a highly specific way, but when it comes to common sense they slide way down on the bean pole.

128points

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#3

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They ask questions. Smart people don't get smart by acting like they know everything.

Inner_Art482 , pexels Report

Final score:

241points

Lauren Caswell 2 years ago (edited)

A risky venture on BP, I get a lot of sarcastic 'google it' answers here when I ask about something 🤷‍♀️ (edit: thanks everyone telling me to google it anyway, seriously guys?! If I ask something, I have already looked it up or I have chosen to ask, I am aware of bias, and I know how to google. I'm not asking because I am unaware of googles existence 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️)

119points

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While intelligence comes in many forms, we all probably have a stereotypical image of a clever person in mind. You could picture them sitting in the library, surrounded by books. Perhaps they are wearing glasses and seem a bit socially awkward. Or maybe they always have fascinating facts on hand to keep the conversation going. The truth is, bright people have many different traits, and a high IQ test is not the only way to measure a person’s mental abilities.

“A highly intelligent person is one who is flexible in their thinking and can adapt to changes, they think before they speak or act, and they’re able to effectively manage their emotions,” Dr. Catherine Jackson, licensed clinical psychologist and neurotherapist, told Bustle. “In short, they possess several different types of intelligence, including but not limited to intellectual, social, and emotional intelligence.”

#4

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They're willing to consider different viewpoints when presented with compelling evidence, and accept when they make a mistake.

QuantumHamster , pexels Report

Final score:

222points

Foxxy (The Original) 2 years ago (edited)

It's not hard for me to admit when I'm wrong. I've often been stand corrected and am not ashamed to apologise and admit my mistake.

65points

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#5

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person A willingness to learn

Dumb ppl think they know everything so they don't bother.

dramaandaheadache , pexels Report

Final score:

192points

Samantha Lomb 2 years ago

I'm always amazed at the number of people who think school is the end of the learning process and don't try to keep learning as adults. I guess its one of the reasons people saying "well I wasn't taught that n school" annoys me. School is supposed to be a very basic foundation

92points

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#6

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person The ability to change their mind when presented with new information. Intelligence is, at its core, a constant reassessment of your own knowledge and the ability to acquire and apply more.

redheadartgirl , unsplash Report

Final score:

191points

Foxxy (The Original) 2 years ago (edited)

I have changed my thought process on a few things, with the biggest being hunting. I used to be ALL hunting is bad but it's far more complicated than that and is actually needed. And I am not talking about trophy hunting. That is not something I will ever agree on.

57points

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One subtle trait that these people share is that they’re observant. “In a world where people talk to prove who they are, highly intelligent people are the opposite,” Jackson mentioned. Well, maybe you’re not exactly Sherlock Holmes, but noticing the little details and taking everything in can still suggest brilliance. Sharp people often refrain from loudly sharing their opinions and accomplishments. Instead, they prefer to remain quiet and observe their surroundings.

Also, understanding you can’t know it all is another low-key sign intelligent people have. “If they can’t do something, they don’t try and act as if they can,” the licensed clinical psychologist explained. “Instead, they know their limits and can admit it. This allows them to be open to learning more from others and/or situations.”

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#7

They quite frequently explain things or answer questions with “it depends”. Intelligent people tend to have a hard time explaining something they know a lot about because it’s hard to boil any particular topic or object down to one portion of it or another rather than the way in which the whole interacts.

When they do provide a straightforward answer that only singles out one component as the explanation, it will be prefaced with a pretty non-committal phrase like “I could be wrong, but…” or “generally,”. This is less reliable than an “it depends” though.

OmniSkeptic Report

Final score:

165points

D. Pitbull 2 years ago

Thank you. I appreciate this. It is very frustrating when you're asked a question (about something you know something about...) and you pause so you don't stutter, then start with "Well, it depends..." and suddenly the other person cuts you off with some sort of dismissive remark like "Oh, I see that this is a sore spot, never mind." or... "Well, that was a very tense way to start things, it's okay to say you don't know" ... or "Don't answer if you feel uncomfortable" - then you start wondering "Did you really want me to answer or... were you trying to set me up to look inferior...?"

86points

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#8

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They are aware of their limitations and just how much they still don't know. As a consequence they also tend to underestimate themselves.

Coffee_666 , unsplash Report

Final score:

157points

Samantha Lomb 2 years ago

The more you learn the more painfully evident it is how little we know. So many PhD students have a heart attack and or imposter syndrome when they realize this.

55points

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#9

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They have a look. Their eyes look AT things/people, not THROUGH things/people. And that doesn’t necessarily mean direct eye contact (because a lot of people with ASD for example struggle with eye contact), but you can tell they are constantly observing, consciously looking at the world, not just witnessing it passively.

LiAn_VeRa , unsplash Report

Final score:

136points

Otter 2 years ago

Not necessarily an indication of intelligence, because at any given moment, an intelligent person may be thinking of something more interesting than the dull reality around them.

47points

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Next, they tend to go with the flow and don’t spend a lot of time worrying about things they can’t control. “Rather than being rigid about what must happen, they remain mentally flexible, open-minded and can easily adjust to life, no matter what gets thrown their way,” Jackson noted.

Andi Simon, Ph.D., a corporate anthropologist and an author of Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business, added that quick-witted people don’t ask questions for the sake of asking. They do so with purpose.

“Someone must have said this often-quoted line: ’Knowledge is having the right answer. Intelligence is asking the right question,’” she said. “We forget that all of life is a conversation. Intelligent people recognize that others have information and insights that through a shared conversation will help both grow, expand their wisdom and enhance their intellect.”

#10

I mean at this point, just believing the earth is a sphere is good enough for me.

PlayerH8rsBallz Report

Final score:

131points

Buren 2 years ago

The key of happiness is low expectation.

84points

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#11

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They don’t immediately attack you for having an unpopular view that’s different.

Intelligence is being able to entertain an idea while not being convinced by it.

InfiNicty , unsplash Report

Final score:

125points

Samantha Lomb 2 years ago

I think it depends on the view. There is a community of trolls that thinks saying blatantly racist or sexist things ( or denying the existence of racism or sexism) is just having another opinion and seem to have developed a persecution complex when called on these behaviors

73points

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#12

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They listen first and then speak or ask questions after understanding.

The bright/intelligent people I know have an unusual ability to digest a situation and then posit a question or frame a position that cuts through the noise and advances everyone’s thought process.

onstantlySlippery , pexels Report

Final score:

123points

Otter 2 years ago

Intelligent people do listen, if there's something worth listening to. Sometimes, there isn't.

3points

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So there are many ways to look at intelligence, but it’s clear that it goes beyond book smarts. Sharp people strive for lifelong curiosity and a never-ending thirst for knowledge. And if there’s one thing we can be sure of—their brain cells never seem to stop working.

#13

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person A very smart person once told me “if you walk away from any new challenge and didn’t learn anything, you weren’t paying attention”. Best advice I’ve ever heard.

Thepants1981 , pexels Report

Final score:

115points

Mr.Knaps 2 years ago

But if I walk away with the wrong type of new intellect? For example if I get in trouble and walk away with intelligence to get better at causing trouble.

5points

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#14

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person Quick wit and humor

Longjumping_Sleep_12 , pexels Report

Final score:

114points

DUN DUN (she/her) 2 years ago

*Chuckles nervously*...Soo, I'mma head out now

50points

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#15

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They listen instead of talk. A former CIA agent was asked this question and his answer was this because he said the quietest person in the room is listening to everything that’s being said which makes them the smartest and most dangerous.

samsonity , unsplash Report

Final score:

114points

Otter 2 years ago

Not necessarily an indication of intelligence. In this case, it could be an indication of a person who doesn't dare talk about himself.

40points

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#16

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person I’m an industrial technician troubleshooter supervisor, And sometimes I have to work with the electrical engineers. The head engineer is highly intelligent, and the way and the order that he asks questions so he can come to an understanding of the Issue forces me to think in a process that hurts my brain. I don’t know how they can handle it Day In and Day out.

Trek1973 , unsplash Report

Final score:

108points

Julie C Rose 2 years ago

This should be higher. A lot of the answers here come off like “I like it when smart people make it clear that they don’t think they’re better than me”, which isn’t the same thing as intelligence.

39points

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#17

They read. A lot. I’m sorry, but I’ve never met a truly intelligent person who wasn’t an avid reader.

shinazueli Report

Final score:

104points

Peej Maybe 2 years ago

Not just read but often read way outside their comfort zones or fields of expertise.

45points

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#18

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person One of the most common is they stumble over words and/or have bad handwriting. Because their mouth and hand have trouble keeping up.

dirt001 , unsplash Report

Final score:

99points

Candy corn 2 years ago

I must be a a f****n’ genius then

84points

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#19

They don't partake in debates with loud ignorant people.

boredwithaB Report

Final score:

95points

Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago

Yep. As you walk away, tell them you’ll be happy to discuss it when they can do so calmly and rationally.

21points

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#20

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They can explain difficult matter in an easy way

churchisforbrunettes , pexels Report

Final score:

91points

Otter 2 years ago

Some people say "If you can explain the science to a fifth grader, then you're truly master of your subject". I don't know if that's true, but it is an interesting challenge, and I'm sitting here thinking about how to explain blood PH to grade schoolers...

35points

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#21

They ask GOOD questions. Questions that indicate that while they don’t know the answer they have a damn good idea how to start finding it. They will ask fewer but better questions, confirm the answer by restating it first morning clarity, and often seek extra information or ask you too before making a decision.

Final score:

90points

Flying Captain 2 years ago

*Intelligent people no matter intro- or extroverted will usually ask follow up questions yes. But the asking questions in general... introverts prefer not to if they see the chance that they can find the solution otherwise. Ofc they will ask if not found...i just wanted to disagree that the quiet ones are not necessarily less intelligent than the others.

28points

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#22

Mate at work is able to explain things perfectly. He does away with all the complicated jargon and explains things as if you're a simpleton without making you feel like one.

Asked him to have a look at my digital calipers a while back and, while he couldn't fix it, he explained in detail what was wrong with it, how to fix it, and how the mechanism in question makes the calipers work.

He's an invaluable friend and a much better mentor.

A_Wild_VelociFaptor Report

Final score:

82points

Paul Davis 2 years ago (edited)

This doesn't always work -- many times dumb people don't want the answer unless it's in three small words or less, and is completely in line with their pre-decided view of what the problem and answer "should" be, and get very angry if you don't give them that as the answer no matter how senseless or destructive that viewpoint is. There are, in fact, very, very few people I know who would stand for any reasonable discussion of how calipers work and how to fix them.

10points

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#23

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person Waiting a few seconds to ponder a question before answering instead of blurting out the first thing that comes to mind.

swion , unsplash Report

Final score:

80points

Julie C Rose 2 years ago

I’ve heard that extroverts often think out loud because that’s just how they organise their thoughts. It’s got nothing to do with intelligence.

40points

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#24

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person Two ways: - When it comes to a subject matter they know they can deconstruct in a way to explain it and use analogies to help it make sense to others. - With subject matter they don’t understand they will ask questions for their own comprehension and ask you for examples/analogies so they can frame the concept in their mind.

946 points 1 month ago Tw , pexels Report

Final score:

75points

Robert Thompson 2 years ago

I had a guy working for me we called him "Mexican Robert" (Other Roberts included White Robert and me, Boss Robert). Occasionally the new guy would ask me if Mexican Robert spoke English. My answer: Yes! He can use the English language to paint a vivid picture in your mind in a way that no English professor ever could. Also, Mexican Robert didn't know any Spanish, it was just a nick name to differentiate the three of us.

15points

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#25

Curiosity.

IntoxicatedPlacoderm Report

Final score:

75points

DforDory 2 years ago

..killed the cat. I'll show myself out now :))

31points

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#26

when they drop an interesting "factoid" and you respond with "cool, i wonder if _______", they have an answer for it, or at least a couple of different ideas, because they actually looked into it instead of just regurgitating it.

the smart people i know are not comfortable having "shallow knowledge" about anything. if they do, then they don't bring it up confidently. if they bring it up at all, it's usually to ask questions from someone who knows more about it.

JeromesDream Report

Final score:

65points

Don't Look 2 years ago

I do this more than I would like to. I've been doing it all my life. I take a subject, learn more about it than necessary and then for the most part I don't forget it.

20points

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#27

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person They listen to every word you say and ask a follow-up question that you never even thought of, but ends up completely changing your way of thinking.

BrokenHeartedOctopus , pexels Report

Final score:

59points

Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago

But only if you’re open to taking follow up questions. There are far too many people who have a strict “my way or the highway” or “I’m only going to say this once” kind of attitude that doesn’t welcome questions from anybody. They’re difficult as hell to break through and bring to understand that everyone filters information differently, and some may need to ask clarifying questions to be sure they truly understand you.

15points

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#28

One of my favorite Shakespearean lines is “brevity is the soul of wit”

I think a measure of intelligence is to take in complex information and convey it in simple terms for others to understand.

Conversely, I don’t think much of people who do the opposite to make themselves appear smarter than they are.

DJteejay04 Report

Final score:

54points

Izzy Curer 2 years ago (edited)

Social intelligence is only one kind of intelligence. Carl Sagan is a good example. He wasn't the smartest astronomer in the world, but he was the best astronomer who could communicate complex ideas clearly in a way that people could understand. And now everybody's heard of him, but who's ever heard of, say, Marc Aaronson? I also don't think everybody who 'over explains' is trying to sound smart, I think a lot of people are just used to feeling misunderstood or unheard. I have this problem. It comes from childhood trauma. Believe me, I'm not trying to 'look smart', it has more to do with anxiety than anything.

30points

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#29

Depends on the living arrangements. It's hard to know from the outside. Intelligence is the ability to learn, retain, recall, apply, and abstract. Knowledge and Wisdom are not good indicators of actual intelligence.

Intelligent individuals can be anything. They could be apathetic, or impassioned. They could speak like a thesaurus, or fumble simple sentences. They could seek tertiary education, or lack both a High School Degree, and a GED.

Living situations dictate an individuals intellectual display more than personality quirks, so it'll be complicated.

PorvaniaAmussa Report

Final score:

53points

BAN CAPITAL LETTERS 2 years ago

brevity is the soul of wit

17points

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#30

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person In my experience, it's the people that are always open to a constructive argument (or conversation, depending on their knowledge on the topic), regardless of the topic. One big condition: this only counts when they're able to admit they don't know everything on the topic, or ask people who know more about it to inform them.

GenZmusic , pexels Report

Final score:

51points

Joy 2 years ago

"I don't know" would be the three smartest words a politician could say.

33points

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#31

They are always trying to think a few steps ahead, they seem to do this without thinking about it (second nature), they think about how an action or series of actions might impact what they are doing and/ or how those actions can potentially get them towards their next goal.

ArsenicRainbows Report

Final score:

14points

Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago

Critical thinking. Something a load of adults seem to lack these days.

6points

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#32

Those who can absorb new information and build it into their construct as opposed to denying its existence

Espio1912 Report

Final score:

14points

Uber Mensch 2 years ago

Something I read in a scifi story once (paraphrased): "You can always fit something new into an open mind. There's nothing you can add to a closed one."

2points

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#33

They can have a civil discussion/debate about sensitive topics. Usually this is displayed when you see talking about politics

I can see two people discussing something, completely agree with one and disagree with the other but the calmer more respectful one always comes off as more intelligent and has more respect from me

Elite_Daedra_slav Report

Final score:

14points

Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago

When I see a bumper sticker that says "F*** Biden", I know the person's political views *and* I know that they can't coherently explain them. Also, they don't care about other people's sensibilities.

13points

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#34

The student in lecture whose questions always seem to clarify another student's question, allow the teacher to expand on something significant, or propels a floundering lecture back on track. Same thing for staff meetings, all while never sounding patronizing or drawing attention to themselves.

Suspicious-Muscle-96 Report

Final score:

14points

Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)

Or challenges the lecturer’s own understanding. Of course, most don’t like that, it there are some good instructors out there who like the challenge and are willing to see your idea through. Because they know it means they’ve inspired you to independent thought, which is how we invent, understand, and advance, and why they decided to teach in the first place.

2points

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#35

get funny instead getting angry

AssistivePeacock Report

Final score:

13points

Bobby 2 years ago

Oh you naughty Dumpty.

1point

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#36

They are often in pursuit of knowledge like, learning a new language, are very inquisitive, learning a new skill or trying out new things.

ArsenicRainbows Report

Final score:

12points

Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago

These things will also help you stay intelligent longer. Cognitive decline as a result of aging can be prevented or delayed if you keep exercising your brain. Obviously that won't prevent conditions like alzheimer's or dementia.

4points

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#37

Responding to someone who doesn't agree with them by asking genuine questions ,

getting their p.o.v. to be shared to gather whatever wisdom they may have

inadvertently getting said person to question their own belief/ opinion without the conversation never being anything resembling an argument.

Listening doesn't necessarily mean someone is smart but one becomes wise by saying as little as possible in a conversation over a long stretch of time

ManOfManifest Report

Final score:

12points

Dave van Es 2 years ago

If you talk, you simply repeat what you already know. It's when you listen where you will learn

3points

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#38

It’s been said before but listening to people who they disagree with keenly and not being arrogant or rude in their response

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Final score:

12points

Julie C Rose 2 years ago

Dr Ashley Bloomfield’s choice to respond to “What do you make of suggestions by [Trump] that people should be injecting themselves with bleach to kill COVID-19?” by turning to Jacinda and saying “I…don’t think I need to comment on that, Prime Minister” doesn’t make him less smart.

2points

#39

When you ask them three questions in a single sentence and they answer them in sequence. You are dealing with one seriously intelligent person right there

Grendahl2018 Report

Final score:

12points

D. Pitbull 2 years ago

I would love to be able to speak with these people. I've been berated for asking more than one question *at all* per 'thing'. Was playing a game, asked someone 3 questions, each one related to the same thing (so it wasn't jumping to non-sequitur weird spots)... and they got REALLY IRRITATED with me and only answered one question. .... then proceeded to peeve off at me later in the game because I took an action that worked against them... and they said "Why didn't you ask?" and I said "I DID ASK." it was one of the questions that was 'too much' for them to answer... didn't matter, I still got verbally smacked for it.

2points

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#40

Phonetically (but incorrectly) pronouncing high brow words. It means they learned them from reading and not from being around other smart people

Unofficial_Overlord Report

Final score:

12points

Truth Monster 2 years ago

A friend of mine used to call that a "Reader's Dialect."

12points

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#41

Being able to explain something to someone in a way that's suited to that person's level of understanding. Effective communication is highly underrated.

pale_moon_pixie Report

Final score:

11points

Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago

I've had problems with this in the past. I'm getting better at communicating. Having a kid and being forced to consider their level of understanding whenever I explained anything helped me a lot. I'm not saying I'm more intelligent than most people - just that I had to learn how to communicate effectively with people.

4points

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#42

They wear the required PPE for the job their doing. Too many dumbasses think that earplugs and goggles make you look like a pussy or something

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Final score:

11points

Jess 2 years ago

This is common sense, not intelligence.

4points

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#43

They observe more than they speak

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Final score:

10points

Bobby 2 years ago

Hmm.

0points

#44

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person Humor, it's and indication of out of the box thinking.

NoCare4292 , pexels Report

Final score:

10points

Julie C Rose 2 years ago

I mean, “that’s what she said” is humour, you know?

1point

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#45

In a work situation: someone who says little but when they do speak they do so clearly, concisely, decisively and with so much thoughtful meaning that often others need a few minutes to catch up to what they just said. They're five steps ahead of the conversation in the room and cutting to the chase.

Final score:

10points

Josy Bannon 2 years ago

..and thus aren't heard, because people shake it of and will switch to their previous conversation.

1point

#46

They don't try to flex how smart they are.

DrOculus90 Report

Final score:

10points

#47

Vocabulary. Not just using big words, but using them correctly. The problem with this is that it requires the listener to be smarter than the speaker. Fortunately, as others have said, the person who talks the most tends to be the person who knows the least.

I'm a software developer. When I attend a conference, there is a roughly 50% chance that any given speaker will use the word "idempotent" within the first ten minutes of their talk. This is a big word, and it has a very specific meaning amongst the target audience (people with academic training in Computer Science.) If they use it incorrectly, and this has happened far too often, I get up and walk to whatever talk is happening next door, because this speaker is more interested in appearing to be smart than actually being smart.

Final score:

10points

Sareaesque 2 years ago

Idempotent: an operation or method which will produce the same result regardless of the number of times it is called. I had never encountered this word before, glad I learnt something new.

13points

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#48

They don't engage in petty arguments, they surround themselves with smarter people, they don't act like know-it-all's

im-still-broke-broke Report

Final score:

9points

Bobby 2 years ago

Means, they are unmarried.

-2points

#49

Very few and simple words that say profound things. And often in the form of inquisitive questions.

Lots of people who act smart use large or excessive words that either don’t say anything, are used incorrectly, or leave people more confused about something than before they spoke.

Stephen Hawking was a perfect example of someone who could take insanely complex theoretical concepts and explain them so a child could understand.

magentachild Report

Final score:

9points

Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago

Hawking had regular people read the stuff that he wrote for general audiences and give him feedback. He was smart enough to know that he needed help making complex ideas understandable to regular people.

6points

#50

Creativity. Abstract style thinking. The ability to have a meta-like approach to thinking about the world. Maverick. Bohemian. I love being around these people; it’s like being amongst magicians.

Final score:

8points

Java Jones 2 years ago

Oh man, this so accurately describes my son. Always a bit different, has a unique perspective on things. And funny in unexpected ways.

3points

#51

They're creative and original, and have vivid imaginations. Original turns of phrase. Original jokes and humor. A distinctive sense of style and aesthetics. Original doodles. A distinctive personal way of speaking and writing that's natural and understated, not pompous or put-on. Those people who get asked by someone amused, "Did you just make that up?" and they modestly nod at their shoes and change the subject.

hononononoh Report

Final score:

8points

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Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

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#52

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person Sarcasm.

MysticRoseFlake , pexels Report

Final score:

8points

Sue Hazlewood 2 years ago

There is a saying - sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I am damn good at it. LOL

6points

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#53

Considering the effects of their words and actions before they speak/act.

WoolooCthulhu Report

Final score:

8points

DforDory 2 years ago

And what if you happen to get to know a really intelligent person just when they lose their sh*t? Everybody has a red button which sets them off, even intelligent people :)

1point

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#54

When they don’t argue back, specially when provoked.

mividatriste Report

Final score:

8points

Raven Sheridan 2 years ago

This is because we know that you can't argue with stupid.

11points

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#55

The ability to make up and keep a running joke over the course of an evening. Humor.

Final score:

8points

Bobby 2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

#56

Silence and always being excited about learning new things.

1ndigoch1ld Report

Final score:

7points

Bobby 2 years ago

Thrives and pick pockets are expert in this.

0points

#57

They are good at calm debates without resorting to insults, shouting or profanity, in addition to this they know how to listen well and are able to accept that the person they are speaking to may know more information on the subject than they do and therefore alow their opinion to be open to change should new information and/or evidence be presented; equally they do not put others down for not knowing something. They also do not interrupt.

ArsenicRainbows Report

Final score:

7points

Raven Sheridan 2 years ago

Trump is unable to do any of these things. Just saying!

1point

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#58

adaptability, the ability to analyse and direct accordingly

NoCare4292 Report

Final score:

7points

#59

they usually are open to learning something from you and they rarely get insecure / competitive about who knows what. They also many times make you laugh and are funny (not always)

Orcaballs Report

Final score:

7points

Auntriarch 2 years ago

That's just sensible. If you tell me something I didn't know, you haven't diminished me - you've given me something

4points

#60

People Point Out 30 Low-Key Signs Of A Highly Intelligent Person Someone who can roast tf out of anyone on the spot. I’m talking like joke after joke in quick succession. It requires quick-wit, creativity, and multiple different types of intelligences like social, verbal, and emotional. If someone is cracking on someone and they can read a crowd, use their environment and incorporate it, then I’m willing to bet that that person has a high chance of being intelligent.

djaypete , unsplash Report

Final score:

6points

Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago

Or maybe they’re just good at being mean and insulting, rather than truly intelligent. Smart people know when to stop before going too far, plus they have the ability to roast without insulting and humiliating.

1point

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#61

You don't know their political leanings

stoborgar Report

Final score:

6points

Izzy Curer 2 years ago

They probably don't have one that fits the mold, or doesn't change

5points

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#62

Compassion and attentiveness.

HakutheChonkeyBoi Report

Final score:

6points

Buren 2 years ago

Hm... I don't think is one is accurate. Imo, there are many intelligent people who have less compassion and attentiveness. Not because they are not good people, but intelligent people have none or less empathy for those dramatic and unreasonable people who try to milk for compassion because they have more capability to see through those.

0points

#63

Rapid speaking that isn't just blabbling...i.e. saying complex things quickly. Also quickly responding in an in depth way to questions and comments.
I've met really smart people who just seem to have a faster "clock speed" than most.

DJ_PsyOp Report

Final score:

6points

Bob Stuart 2 years ago

A yellow LED light is actually a red and green flashing alternately. Some people notice that in their peripheral vision, and some don't process fast enough to see it.

0points

#64

Behave like a depressed 19th century Russian writer

Much_Committee_9355 Report

Final score:

5points

Samantha Lomb 2 years ago (edited)

Would that be start your own religious commune, schools for peasants and psuedo religious philosophy writer, the participated in an illegal anti-Tsarist organization for which they almost got executed writer, or the not actually Russian but used folk- stories as the basis for fantastic and often terrifying surreal stories writer?

4points

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#65

You can see them thinking.

Justieflustie Report

Final score:

5points

Bobby 2 years ago

***tapping on my head with finger, while elbow on the table **

0points

#66

humility, indicates awareness of one's limitations (willingness to learn may be included here)

NoCare4292 Report

Final score:

5points

DforDory 2 years ago

Depending on when, how and why. For ex. a boss might think an employee should present more humility, because he thinks the later one is "stupid" and should only listen to him/her for being the leader, and the employee doe stand up for him/herself, maybe even showing the boss how something is properly done (by experience), thus not showing humility. I don't think "humilty" is a good description for intelligence. Just sayin'...

0points

#67

They never lose the flow of a conversation, you can tell them a ton at once about something totally new and they won’t miss a beat

ZukowskiHardware Report

Final score:

5points

JXXXF 2 years ago

This one is wrong...

0points

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#68

If they're a lifelong musician, it's almost a guarantee. It makes the brain sharper than almost any other activity you can do.

Final score:

4points

Luther von Wolfen 2 years ago

I have known musicians who could play anything by ear and who were dumb as dirt. Being able to play an instrument does not mean one is intelligent in any other area.

9points

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Ieva Gailiūtė

Ieva is a writer at Bored Panda who graduated in Scandinavian studies from Vilnius University. After learning the Swedish language and getting completely lost in the world of Scandinavian mythology, she figured out that translating and writing is what she's passionate about. When not writing, Ieva enjoys making jewelry, going on hikes, reading and drinking coffee.

Ieva is a writer at Bored Panda who graduated in Scandinavian studies from Vilnius University. After learning the Swedish language and getting completely lost in the world of Scandinavian mythology, she figured out that translating and writing is what she's passionate about. When not writing, Ieva enjoys making jewelry, going on hikes, reading and drinking coffee.

Mindaugas Balčiauskas

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

What do you think ?

Lola G 2 years ago

I read once - smart people make others feel smart. Someone with just an average intelligence will explain things to you in a patronizing way. A really smart person has secretly already figured out why you don't know or understand something.

11points

Ralph West 2 years ago

I'd like to agree with you because it describes what I often.do only to be remamded(?) with: "Please just answer the question that I asked you". Oh well.

0points

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Damon Tripodi 2 years ago

68 ways to say the same thing

11points

Auntriarch 2 years ago

Ooh that's unfair! I'd say the same two things 😂

7points

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Metallicd3ath 2 years ago

I think the funny thing is all the people here saying "brevity is the soul of wit," then proceeding to talk for 3 paragraphs. It's as if they're right out of Shakespeare's play.

5points

Metallicd3ath 2 years ago

For the record, I'm not saying I agree, I think smart people can have plenty to say.

0points

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Lola G 2 years ago

I read once - smart people make others feel smart. Someone with just an average intelligence will explain things to you in a patronizing way. A really smart person has secretly already figured out why you don't know or understand something.

11points

Ralph West 2 years ago

I'd like to agree with you because it describes what I often.do only to be remamded(?) with: "Please just answer the question that I asked you". Oh well.

0points

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Damon Tripodi 2 years ago

68 ways to say the same thing

11points

Auntriarch 2 years ago

Ooh that's unfair! I'd say the same two things 😂

7points

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Metallicd3ath 2 years ago

I think the funny thing is all the people here saying "brevity is the soul of wit," then proceeding to talk for 3 paragraphs. It's as if they're right out of Shakespeare's play.

5points

Metallicd3ath 2 years ago

For the record, I'm not saying I agree, I think smart people can have plenty to say.

0points

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