8 unusual behaviors that indicate a high level of intelligence

Intelligence.

It’s not just about acing your SATs or being the first to raise your hand in a trivia game.

Sometimes, it’s the quirky, odd behaviors that can be a true sign of braininess. It’s not always obvious, and you might be surprised to find that some of the smartest people around you don’t fit the typical ‘genius’ stereotype.

In this article, I’ll take you through 8 unexpected behaviors that could suggest a high level of intelligence. Ready to see if you, or someone you know, fits the bill? 

1) Constant questioning

Ever been around someone who seems to never cease asking why?

They’re not just being annoying. It’s actually a sign of high intelligence.

Smart people have an insatiable curiosity. They’re not satisfied with a surface-level understanding of things. They want to dig deeper, and uncover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind things.

The ‘because I said so’ explanation simply doesn’t cut it for them.

This constant questioning helps them learn, grow, and understand the world in ways others don’t. So next time you come across someone with endless questions, don’t roll your eyes. They might just be one of the sharpest tools in the shed.

Remember, it’s not annoying – it’s intelligence.

2) Being a night owl

I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told that waking up early is the key to success. But, here’s a secret: I’m a night owl.

And guess what? T

hat might just mean I’m smarter than the average bear.

Studies have found that people who prefer to stay up late, and do their best work in the wee hours, often have higher IQs. It’s a trait linked with intelligence and creativity.

I’ve always found myself more productive and creative at night. When everyone else is asleep, I find a quiet peace that sparks my inspiration and productivity.

If you’re a fellow night owl, don’t let the early birds tell you otherwise. Your late-night tendencies could be a sign of high intelligence.

3) Enjoying solitude

While many might view a preference for solitude as antisocial behavior, it’s often quite the opposite. Smart people tend to enjoy their own company, and there’s a scientific reason for this.

Research from the British Journal of Psychology suggests that highly intelligent people experience lower life satisfaction with more frequent socialization with friends. Essentially, they feel happier when they have more time to spend alone.

This love for solitude allows them to focus on their interests, hobbies, or work without distractions. It fosters introspection and self-development, which can lead to innovative ideas and solutions.

The next time you see someone enjoying their own company, don’t mistake it for loneliness. It might just be a sign of their high intelligence.

4) Being forgetful

We often associate forgetfulness with being scatterbrained, but did you know it could be a sign of intelligence? Yes, that’s right. If you’re someone who tends to forget where they put their keys or what they had for dinner last night, don’t be too hard on yourself.

According to research from the University of Toronto, forgetting things can actually be a byproduct of a perfectly functioning memory. It suggests that the goal of memory is not to transmit the most accurate information over time, but to guide and optimize intelligent decision-making by only holding onto valuable information.

So, ironically, forgetting the small stuff can mean your brain is doing a great job at managing the truly important information.

Surprising, isn’t it?

5) Empathy for others

People often confuse intelligence with cold rationality. But in reality, one of the true signs of intelligence is empathy. High intelligence isn’t just about solving complex equations or having an extensive vocabulary. It’s also about understanding and relating to the people around you.

Smart people understand that every person has their own story, their own struggles, and their own joys. They can put themselves in others’ shoes, feeling what they feel, understanding their perspectives.

This ability to connect on a deep, emotional level not only makes them good friends and partners, but also helps them navigate the complexities of social interactions in a way that few others can. In this sense, their intelligence lies not just in their minds, but also in their hearts.

6) Enjoying novelty

I’ve always been someone who gets bored with routine. The same old, same old just doesn’t do it for me. I need something new, something different to keep me interested and engaged.

Turns out, this love for novelty is a hallmark of intelligent people.

They crave new experiences, ideas, and challenges. They thrive on change and get a thrill out of learning something they didn’t know before.

This constant search for the novel and the unknown fuels their creativity and innovation, often leading them to come up with original ideas and solutions. So if you’re someone who loves trying new things, congratulations. Your thirst for novelty might just mean you’re smarter than you think.

7) Daydreaming frequently

Ever been caught staring off into space, lost in your own thoughts? While some might see daydreaming as a lack of focus or attention, it could actually be a sign of high intelligence.

One study found that daydreaming can be a sign of a well-equipped brain. It suggests that people with more efficient brains may have too much brain capacity to stop their minds from wandering.

Daydreaming allows your mind to explore and create, leading to increased creativity and problem-solving skills. So next time you find yourself lost in thought, don’t feel guilty. Your daydreaming could be a sign of your intellectual prowess.

8) Embracing failure

Nobody likes to fail. It’s uncomfortable, disheartening, and difficult. But the truth is, highly intelligent people aren’t afraid of failure. In fact, they embrace it.

Smart people understand that failure isn’t a dead end, but a stepping stone towards success. Each failure is a lesson learned, an opportunity for growth. They see failure as a chance to analyze what went wrong and how they can improve next time.

This resilience and ability to bounce back from failure is one of the most powerful indicators of high intelligence. So if you’re someone who’s not afraid to fail and learn from your mistakes, rest assured, you’re in good company.

Final thoughts: The beauty of the brain

The human brain is arguably one of the most complex and fascinating structures in existence. Its vast networks of neurons and intricate pathways govern not just our thoughts and actions, but also the unique quirks and behaviors that make us who we are.

These unusual behaviors that indicate a high level of intelligence are a testament to this complexity. Whether it’s being a night owl, enjoying solitude, daydreaming frequently, or embracing failure, each behavior is a reflection of how our brain processes and responds to the world around us.

We’re all wired differently, and that’s what makes us unique. What might seem odd to some might be a sign of high intelligence in others. So the next time you see someone exhibiting these behaviors, take a moment to appreciate the marvelous complexity of the human brain.

Intelligence isn’t just about acing tests or having encyclopedic knowledge. It’s also about empathy, resilience, curiosity, and a love for novelty. So embrace your quirks and oddities. They might just be your superpowers.