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Regular memes are great and all, but at some point, you start craving humor with a bit more sophistication, depth, and oomph. The ‘Not Not Reading’ account on Instagram serves up exactly that. It’s a project dedicated to sharing memes with an intellectual twist. They’re very enjoyable when you recognize the context.

We’ve compiled a list of the best and freshest memes that you should definitely show your smartest friends at your next soirée. (Or just spam them online while they’re supposed to be working. We won’t judge.) Scroll down to give your brain and funny bone a good workout.

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    Intelligence is incredibly valued in this day and age. And it’s a touchy topic. Like it or not, many of us would probably feel insulted if someone said we were outright dumb or not quite as smart as we think we are. But it’s sometimes hard to know what people mean when they talk about intelligence.

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    Are they thinking about raw IQ, innate talent, a good memory, and a penchant for solving puzzles? Do they mean living wisely? Or perhaps being incredibly successful in life (however you define it)? Do they have in mind folks who are studious, disciplined, and well-read? Or maybe they’re subtly hinting at social or emotional intelligence?

    For instance, if you’re looking specifically at success as measured by wealth, it’s not always the brainiest of the bunch that hit the jackpot. Instead, chance plays a core role here.

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    In one of the best-titled articles, well, ever—“If you’re so smart, why aren’t you rich?”—the MIT Technology Review argues that the most successful, wealthiest people aren’t the most talented ones. They’re “just the luckiest” ones. At least, based on the work done on a computer model of wealth creation by Alessandro Pluchino and his colleagues at the University of Catania.

    “The maximum success never coincides with the maximum talent, and vice-versa,” according to the researchers. “It is evident that the most successful individuals are also the luckiest ones. And the less successful individuals are also the unluckiest ones.”

    Extrapolating from this, the best strategy for funding scientists, for instance, would be to give everyone equal funding. Just in case they accidentally make a big discovery. And just because one scientist got lucky before doesn't make it more likely that they'll get lucky again.

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    #8

    Older man with glasses sharpening a quill pen, intellectual meme about knowing a lot and starting arguments.

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    The Majestic Opossum
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bahaha, and it's always the most random topics too! Unfortunately I forget most of my brilliant points until about 20 minutes later 🤦🏽‍♀️

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    Cognitive intelligence, directly associated with IQ (intelligence quotient) and so-called ‘book smarts,’ mainly focuses on visual and spatial processing, knowledge of the world, fluid reasoning, working memory, short-term memory, and quantitative reasoning. Your cognitive intelligence affects your academic performance, expertise, critical thinking, and logic.

    Meanwhile, according to Verywell Mind, emotional intelligence (EQ), aka ‘street smarts,’ revolves around your ability to perceive, control, evaluate, and express emotions. This includes understanding how other people feel, as well as your ability to self-regulate, and using emotions for social communication. In a nutshell, your EQ is directly correlated to your empathy, self-awareness, and relationships.

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    #11

    Older man reading sheet music on a bus with caption about headphones, intellectuals chuckling at memes humor.

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    DowntownStevieB
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I write music and I can say that, when you are good at it, you don't need the headphones to hear the music.

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    Having a high IQ is, of course, an advantage. Typically, it means that you’ll do well in school, potentially earn more money, and live a healthier lifestyle. That being said, being book-smart won’t necessarily mean that you’re successful or happy.

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    Your ability to get along with other people is phenomenally important. These days, many companies check applicants’ EQ scores and even organize EQ training courses. Generally, people with strong leadership and managerial potential tend to be more emotionally intelligent.

    #14

    Cross-stitched meme humor combining millennial retirement and societal collapse, appealing to intellectuals enjoying clever memes.

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    The Majestic Opossum
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just waiting to capitalize on them cheap homes... ::checks watch::

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    #15

    Tweet showing two book covers about Harvard Business School knowledge as an intellectual meme for readers and learners.

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read a webcomic (yes they still exist) Called Existential Comics and this is so that kind of humor.

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    The good thing is that everyone can improve both their IQ and EQ. A few ways that you can improve your IQ, according to Verywell Mind, include things like:

    1. Practicing memory activities, and doing puzzles and concentration games;
    2. Improving your reasoning skills by playing games that rely on higher-order reasoning;
    3. Building your relational skills by reading and making comparisons between things;
    4. Learning a new language.
    #17

    Yellow bird on branch surrounded by repeated letter A, representing chaotic mind in intellectual meme humor.

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    Shelli Aderman
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    🙋‍♀️🤣🙋‍♀️🤣🙋‍♀️🤣🙋‍♀️🤣🙋‍♀️🤣

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    #18

    Father and daughter discussing her decision to major in Philosophy in a meme for intellectuals chuckling.

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    sbj
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HaHa! I'm all for people studying subject areas they are really interested in but the sad fact is that in todays world you have to have to have qualifications in areas that 'society' wants

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    Meanwhile, here are a few ways to boost your EQ:

    1. Build your self-awareness by focusing on how you feel and observing your emotions;
    2. Keep a journal so that you better understand yourself;
    3. Put in the effort to empathize with someone. Put yourself in their shoes and consider how they might feel;
    4. Approach situations with more of an open mind and less judgment so you consider new ideas and perspectives;
    5. Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future.
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    #20

    Text meme showing a philosophy professor discussing books that increase doubt and confusion about reality, intellectual humor.

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    The Majestic Opossum
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a fascination with both philosophy and psychology from a young age, and this makes so much sense now.

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    #21

    Meme showing intellectual humor comparing winning fake arguments in the shower to shampoo bottles applauding.

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    sbj
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These images perfectly depict my daydreams whilst I'm sitting at my office desk

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    Nobody becomes brainy and incredibly socially intelligent overnight. It’s a long, incremental process. If you realize that you’re not quite as (cognitively or emotionally) intelligent as you’d like to be, you can take small steps every single day to get into the habit of improving.

    For example, you could take a few minutes each day to read a few science, history, or other articles, catch up on global news, or read at least a few lines from a new book. Meanwhile, try to focus on observing your feelings and those of the people around you more often.

    #23

    Storefront sign reading spicy memory, with text above saying you call it trauma, I call it, humorous meme for intellectuals.

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    The Majestic Opossum
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, so much more delectable! Although some days I would prefer the mild memory...

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    And, when learning new things and habits, it’s phenomenally helpful if you lead a healthy lifestyle. The more energetic and well-rested you are, the easier you’ll learn and grow.

    So, focus on getting the basics right. Get plenty of sleep. Stay hydrated. Eat nutritious food. Move a lot. Avoid ultra-processed foods and unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking. Be social. And try to find joy in the things you’re studying, instead of seeing it as a dull duty.

    #26

    Bowl of green olives with humorous text suggesting eating 30 to 40 olives for a quick easy dinner meme for intellectuals.

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    UKGrandad
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    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How to make an olive. Take some grapes, hollow them out, fill them with evil. EDIT: Downvoted because I don't like Satan's haemorrhoids 🙄

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    Originally created just over four years ago in May 2021, the ‘Not Not Reading’ account has grown to have a pretty sizeable following. Currently, it boasts 172k followers on Instagram. The curator of the account quips that “this is not a bookclub.”

    They also allude to the brainy content with the line in the bio: ‘not “not reading” books,’ which is a double-negative way of saying that you read books. Aka, you're (probably) smart (or think you are).

    #29

    Close-up of a man smirking, illustrating intellectuals chuckling at spotting a grammatical error during an argument.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know a troll like this on this very site. Anything to distract from his losing effort.

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    Honestly, we’d love to hear which of these intellectual memes you enjoyed the most, Pandas. Which ones were right up your alley? Were there any funny pics that you didn’t quite get because you were unfamiliar with the context? Objectively speaking, how smart would you say you are? How much time do you spend reading every week?

    Would you say that you have a higher IQ or EQ? Let us know in the comments at the very bottom of this post!

    #31

    Cartoon dinosaur smashing buildings with text meme reflecting intellectual humor and emotional depth in memes for intellectuals.

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    Catie D
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, Godzilla's parents never showed up in any of the movies, so this could be true...

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    #43

    Water polo player labeled Me pours water labeled New books on head while surrounded by unread books in library meme for intellectuals.

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    Abel
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ouch. An ocean of culture waiting for me and here I am, with the phone posting in BP. My brain has started gathering the papers for the divorce.🤪

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    #44

    Meme showing intellectual humor with Homer Simpson smoking a cigar, caption about Plato winning against made-up characters.

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    Anthony Elmore
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guy literally had a thermae-thought debate with himself that he found so gripping he had to share it with the public.

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    #47

    Gorilla typing a formal email to teacher contrasted with teacher casually replying yeah ok in a meme for intellectuals.

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    Nosirrow
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I send formal texts to my pupils' parents and they send back emojis or sign the text with 'Mom'.

    #48

    Two-panel meme contrasting a sad face struggling in one field and a happy face as an interdisciplinary expert meme for intellectuals.

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    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is this "dazzle em with brains or baffle em with bull💩"?

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    #53

    Side-by-side intellectual memes showing Plato’s Cave concept contrasted with a colorful Plato’s Rave scene.

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    Abel
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Do you know how it is called a zombies' party? A Raveyard!

    #54

    School bus and train meme illustrating sudden rush of creativity and anxiety, popular intellectual meme humor.

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    #58

    Tweet about intellectual humor referencing Plato, with a meme on faux window projectors in a bedroom setting.

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    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't hate this. When I had my project set up I'd put on rotating artwork or pretty visual art scenes. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Or sometimes birds and squirrel feeder cams and my cat would lose her s**t.

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    #59

    Squirtle characters labeled with unread, unfinished, and newly-purchased books in a meme about intellectual reading habits.

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    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who BUYS books? I let books pile up in my Libby account and then go checkout a stack of New Arrivals at the public library.

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    #60

    Meme showing intellectuals confusing academic burnout with passion in a humorous illustration.

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    The Majestic Opossum
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but the butterfly is on fire. The bush is on fire. Everything is on fire. Then, it's accurate.

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    #62

    Europe map showing likelihood of receiving food as a guest by country, featured in intellectual memes for thoughtful audiences.

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    Isabel Galvez
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I come from one of the dark blue areas. Be prepared to eat everything or forever offend your host.

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    #63

    Black and white meme comparing an intellectual's Instagram photo to a humorous real-life drawing of an insect on a bed.

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    Jerome Lenovo
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    3 weeks ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    still there magas ? do you get this one ? no its not a jeezuSS story

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    #64

    Cartoon contrasting people who read philosophy with worn-out philosophers, highlighting intellectual humor in memes.

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    Jerome Lenovo
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nah , houellebecq isnt a philosopher, he's just a drunk r4cist m**o

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    #65

    Handwritten crossword puzzle filled with repeated letter A's, a humorous meme made especially for intellectuals.

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so Alpha I exclusively use the letter "A" and none of the other 25 letters of the alphabet like all you losers.

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    #66

    Barber humorously cutting Buddha statue hair, reflecting memes made especially for intellectuals and deep thinkers.

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    #70

    Two people outside a mental health center looking at a wikiHow page titled How To Stop Doing Philosophy, intellectual memes theme.

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    #72

    Meme about intellectuals skipping work for years to study Jewish thinker Spinoza, appealing to intellectual humor.

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    Jerome Lenovo
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    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i saw in the news last night a reporter asking questions to kids after the philosophy test of the "baccalaureat" .... one said espinoza. I guess it didnt go well for him

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    #73

    Three intellectuals in a formal debate setting with a humorous message about job search, mocking intellectual memes.

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