What do intelligent people do differently?

Anish Parikh
Jul 25, 2017 · 3 min read

Here are my observations and few common traits of highly intelligent people.

  • They are very calm, almost too unnaturally calm
  • They are Insightful
  • They love reading. Intelligent people usually read a lot. It doesn’t need to be books, most intelligent I’ve met have had a big interest in reading, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are intelligent.
  • They understand easily and quickly
  • They have excellent problem-solving skills
  • They very much enjoy solitude, love working alone. They have very small friend circle, though might be friendly with everyone but would only have few good friends.
  • They’re highly adaptable.
  • They understand how much they don’t know.
  • They ask good questions. They observe, analyze, ask questions and try to understand something before the jump to conclusions.
  • They’re open-minded.
  • They are always hungry for knowledge
  • They are super curious in all most every thing. They never get bored as they always find something new to learn every day. If they come across something unusual or new, they would explore it and try to learn something about it.
  • They aren’t just interested in one field but they also extend their knowledge in many another field.
  • They are always ready to accept things if you prove them.
  • They would like having a healthy short debate rather than unhealthy one and very less likely to personally remark others, whatsoever.
  • They would never get involved in silly discussion or gossips as they know it’s worthless. Feel it is a waste of time to convince a fool n remain silent in an argument. They avoid people who are toxic.
  • The best part is that they know how to talk with different kind of people.
  • They love exploring places or people.
  • They can easily understand sarcasm. They are funny. Highly intelligent people seem to have a great sense of humor and are not dull. They are witty and sarcastic at the same time and they know the difference between these two.
  • They are very creative in their work
  • They are simple. They seem to choose material things based on the intrinsic qualities and functionality as opposed to the image or status they are going to project.
  • They are independent. They make decisions unaffected by societal pressure or expectations.
  • They do not have money, status, or fame as the primary motivation.
  • They communicate clearly. You don’t see them using million-dollar words. You understand exactly what they’re trying to say.
  • They know that your happiness does not depend on anyone else but yourself.
  • They are very well aware of that your own pot must be full before you serve others from it.
  • They know when to say no. Know how to politely turn down an offer or invitation.
  • They know that health is more valuable than wealth.
  • Surround themselves with other intelligent people.
  • They see the value of things not only their price.
  • They always evolve, improve and try to get better.
  • They look for solutions and don’t get stuck with looking at the problems.
  • They can listen, not only talk.
  • They are contrarians — They have a tendency to counter-argue or offer their perspectives in hopes to enhance or provide alternative solutions.
  • Are open minded, this doesn’t mean that every person that’s open minded are intelligent, most of the intelligent people I’ve met are open minded.
  • Can always find the flaws in ideas.
  • They embrace change.
  • They won’t trust something blindly.
  • They take responsibility for their mistakes.
  • They know they can learn from anybody.
  • They are Observant. Infact, Super Observant.
  • They are resourceful.
  • They love to learn others innovative idea & take it seriously.
  • They transfer thoughts and ideas from one set of circumstances to another. For example: if there’s a statement in maths they’ll cross verify whether it’s applicable to physics as well.
  • They are very close to nature.
  • Either directly or indirectly, they’ll speak the truth.
  • Logic. Ability to derive conclusions via flowcharts.
  • They learns from experience
  • They exactly Knows what to embrace and what to let go. Chooses his battles wisely.

Anish Parikh

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