ADVERTISEMENT

Intelligence is a very difficult and touchy topic to cover. A ton of people have their own personal interpretations of what exactly being brainy means. Moreover, many of us also like to believe that we’re definitely above average when it comes to our skills and smarts (hello, our dear Dunning-Kruger effect, how have you been holding up?).

There’s a very sharp divide between someone who might be intelligent (i.e. book smart) and someone who is wise, experienced, relies on common sense, or knows when to follow their gut. What’s more, one’s understanding of intelligence doesn’t necessarily overlap much with emotional intelligence and the ability to empathize with and manage other people well. Don’t even get us started on the fact that just because someone is highly educated doesn’t automatically make them smart. We also have to consider whether or not someone is neuro(a)typical and figure out if we’re equating intelligence with IQ or not.

Internet users shared their opinions about the small and low-key signs that someone might be really intelligent in a very enlightening r/AskReddit thread. Check out their opinions below, Pandas. Though keep in mind, some of them have a far broader understanding of intelligence that borders on wisdom, empathy, social awareness, and perseverance (or, as we like to call it, the difference between 'intelligence' with an 'i' and 'Intelligence' with a capital 'I'). And if you’d like to share what you personally think indicates that someone is intelligent, be sure to drop by the comment section.

Bored Panda reached out to Steven Wooding, who is part of the Omni Calculator team and a member of the Institute of Physics in the UK, to talk about quantifying intelligence. Read on for our full interview with him.

#1

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They don't go around telling other people how smart they are.

BlueRFR3100 , Ryoji Iwata Report

Add photo comments
POST
shylabouche_1 avatar
Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This goes for most aspects of a person's psyche. If I have to tell you I'm (smart, pretty, God-fearing, funny, or whatever, I'm probably not that thing.)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Steven, from the Omni Calculator project, which has created over 3,000 calculators that are openly available on their website, told Bored Panda that quantifying intelligence objectively isn't easy.

"The gold standard is the IQ test, but maybe a person that does very well on this measure would be ineffective in a real-world situation that does look like an IQ test question," he explained that it's not a perfect method.

"The other issue with the IQ test is that it gives you a score relative to the population, so it's not an absolute measure. Then there is emotional intelligence, which can make a person very effective in the world but is entirely missed by the conventional IQ test," he told us.

#2

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They are comfortable admitting when they are wrong or don’t know the answer

heynickmiller , Priscilla Du Preez Report

Add photo comments
POST
safsaf avatar
SAF saf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is more a sign of maturity I know plenty of smart folks that don't have this ability.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Asking questions. Curiosity is the true foundation of intelligence.

jpon7 , Taylor Flowe Report

Add photo comments
POST
mcgoon avatar
Gustav Gallifrey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also: answering questions honestly, without making the asker feel like a dumbass for daring to ask.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

It's essential to stay humble and grounded throughout your life, no matter how high you might rise. Though it can be easy to forget that when you see success after success and you're constantly lauded for your skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Steven said that it's good to remember that "everyone makes mistakes—even the most intelligent people. And next time, it could be you."

"It's good to remember this if you're feeling very confident or you've rushed an answer to a question. Take a moment to double-check yourself," he noted that nobody is above making a mistake, eventually.

It's also important not to get frustrated that others might not have the very same knowledge base as you. "It can be very hard not to get frustrated. The best way is to assume the role of a teacher and help those around you learn what you know. Over time, the gap between you and them will narrow, reducing the cause of potential frustration."

#4

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent It's pretty hard to be legitimately funny without being smart.

Herpes-in-space , Helena Lopes Report

Add photo comments
POST
ladyamalthea avatar
Sissy Fuss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d say the reverse also applies: it’s hard to be legitimately intelligent without having a sense of humor.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#5

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They can debate without vitriol. Really intelligent individuals can present a well informed argument while leaving emotions aside and without insulting their opponents

Bending_toast , Peggy Anke Report

#6

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They don't pretend to know things that they don't.

markymark0123 , Sigmund Report

Add photo comments
POST
walkerclark avatar
Toothpaste guy
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can confirm this is true. I may do well on standardized testing but if I wasn't extremely adept at convincing people that I know what they're talking about everyone would think I'm a dumb@ss and they wouldn't be wrong.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Bored Panda was also interested to find out how much the Omni Calculator project itself has touched upon untangling intelligence. Though they currently don't have anything that calculates your intelligence directly, they do have the IQ Percentile Calculator and the Happiness Calculator.

"Quantifying smartness is difficult. Omni Calculator has the IQ Percentile Calculator, which tells you what proportion of the population has a higher and lower IQ than you (requires your IQ score). Though we might be able to tell you how happy you are with our Happiness Calculator—it asks a few questions to see where you are on the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS)."

Broadly speaking, intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills. Quick thinking, perceptiveness, a good memory, adaptability, and the ability to embrace failure are all small parts of what makes someone smart. But reading a lot of books means nothing if you can’t or won’t apply that knowledge to whatever goals you have in mind.

#7

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They can frame & process unfamiliar things quickly as they learn them, & can connect them to familiar things easily both for themselves & in conversing with others. Lots of “ohhh, it’s like …” moments that are on track.

skotos2phos , airfocus Report

Add photo comments
POST
marysheplor1 avatar
Mary Jeffries
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many of the smart people I’ve known seem to see concepts more clearly, like ideas are better lit to them. It’s hard to explain exactly, just they seem to see concepts with less fog/more focus to them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Adaptability. A smart individual can always think of different solutions when circumstances change.

CuddlyGorillas , Dylan Gillis Report

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They are open minded

Spiderman230 , Pablo Heimplatz Report

Though intelligence is often celebrated (and, frankly, it’s something that humankind should aspire to as a whole), its impact is vastly overestimated in some instances. For instance, when it comes to financial stability. Or, as Bloomberg puts it: “If you’re so smart, why aren’t you rich?” Viewing intelligence only through the lens of IQ is very limiting. And correlates very little with real-life success.

Economist James Heckman’s research indicates that IQ isn’t all that important when it comes to one’s financial prospects. Instead, one’s personality is key. Traits like conscientiousness, diligence, perseverance, and self-discipline are vastly more important.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg writes that Heckman’s study found that good grades and achievement-test results predicted adult success far better than raw IQ scores. Grades are an expression of intelligence, as well as non-cognitive skills, such as good study habits or a student’s ability to collaborate with others. In short, personality is vital when it comes to success.

#10

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Quick understanding of concepts that they've never encountered before. When you see it, it's mad impressive.

A friend who watches a sports game for the first time and immediately picks up on the habits and style of each team. Someone who hears a complicated explanation of something and quickly translates it into something that makes sense.

Impresses me every time I see it happen.

WonderSabreur , Kyle DeSantis Report

Add photo comments
POST
darianstarfrog avatar
Darian Starfrog
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still wish often, I wasn't so hyper aware.. I'm only now recovery from the drugs I used to dampen this..

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Being able to understand other points of view….without necessarily agreeing.

Biebou Report

Add photo comments
POST
pam12785 avatar
Pam Hobbs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Understand" or politely walk away from the insane nonsense being related.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They listen.

Intelligent youth don't necessarily do this; some are little chatterboxes. But they often learn that they make more headway in conversations through listening to others, rather than monopolizing conversation.

DrHugh , Parabol | The Agile Meeting Toolbox Report

Add photo comments
POST
amcgregor7419 avatar
Tams21
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Intelligent people listen but "intelligent youth don't necessarily do this". This is either contradictory or having a dig at young people.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Look, Pandas, if we’re being completely honest here, I see myself as a pretty darn intelligent guy. I know I’m smart… and I work hard at it.

However, I’m also aware that this advantage is balanced out by my lack of common sense, the overwhelming propensity to daydream instead of taking action, and my idealistic naivety. I also sometimes forget to press the ‘Sarcasm’ button in my mind before speaking.

(In geek-speak, if this were Dungeons & Dragons, my Wisdom ability score would be negative, and I’d have a wildly fluctuating Charisma stat.) I know my strengths. But I’m also painfully aware of where I still need to grow.

Generally speaking, this is where the Dunning-Kruger effect kicks in. The short version is that most people believe that their intelligence is above average. Obviously, mathematically, this can’t be the case because that would just change the collective average.

The long version is that someone who (objectively) has very low skills or knowledge in a particular area believes that they are far better than they actually are. It’s a mix of arrogance and overestimating one’s competence.

ADVERTISEMENT
#13

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They don’t pry and interrogate others on their own knowledge/field of work.

Smart people understand that others can be smart too. It’s not a contest.

gracehatesfilms , Samsung Memory Report

#14

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent I find it is often in their eyes - even if they don't say much their eyes are always scanning, thinking, indicative of a very active mental world. A bit like border collie's eyes lol

Morbo_Reflects , Azmaan Baluch Report

Add photo comments
POST
amcgregor7419 avatar
Tams21
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of the smartest people I've ever met was a litterature professor. He was a modest and generally very nice man but half the time it felt like his mind was in one of the countless books in his head. I don't doubt that intelligent people can (and often are) very aware of their surroundings but I disagree that's it's a sign of intelligence in and of itself.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Admitting when they’re wrong, or educating someone instead of shaming them

MarsupialNo1220 Report

Add photo comments
POST
christophertrott avatar
Christopher Trott
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am rarely 100 percent sure and will always go back to researching if I or others raise doubts. I live with someone that ignores when I say I stand corrected and loves to go on how I was wrong. And only truly stupid people make fun of someone for mispronunciation even though they used the word correctly. Not knowing the correct way to say something but do know where and when means they read and comprehend.

View more commentsArrow down menu

However, interestingly, the Dunning-Kruger effect also applies to those who excel in their chosen area of expertise. These brainiacs may believe that the knowledge that they have is easy for others to understand or that a particular task is not all that difficult. They also tend to underestimate their own skills.

It’s not enough to be brilliantly smart if you’re unable to maintain it all. Having a good diet, getting plenty of exercise, staying curious, and maintaining strong social ties are all factors that help you stay sharp as you age. Taking care of yourself is the intelligent thing to do.

#16

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Quiet confidence when in discussion and being able to discuss BOTH sides without turning it into an argument.

Throwing tantrums, yelling and screaming as a functional adult because someone has a different opinion than you do usually leads me to believe you didn't mentally mature effectively.

I have a relatively conservative friend who works in my industry (Restaurants) and is extremely tolerant of those around us. Doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, no dope, church every Sunday, is against abortion, doesn't agree with immigration policy, etc etc etc... We have had VERY long winded discussions in the prep room about things like that, and at the end of the day, we agree to disagree and then rock paper scissors on who's doing the floors and who's cleaning the freezer.

subtxtcan , LinkedIn Sales Solutions Report

Add photo comments
POST
frankh_1 avatar
Frank H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But you have to stand up against obvious stupidity and gross misunderstandings. If you don‘t, it results in burning books and people…

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They ask few questions, but the ones they do ask are very insightful.

dring157 , National Cancer Institute Report

Add photo comments
POST
ruthhempsey avatar
Ruth Hempsey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This contradicts that they are always curious. Asking questions and not being afraid to acknowledge they don't know is the characteristic I'd say fits better.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

creativity, thinking laterally, and problem solving!

la_mer_sombre Report

#19

A combination of critical thinking skills (direct problem solving) and lateral thinking skills (thinking outside the box). Being able to pull together data from both inside and outside a problem to solve it

Hephaestus0308 Report

Add photo comments
POST
christophertrott avatar
Christopher Trott
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is sometimes easier to fix something others cannot because you don’t know as much as they do.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Can make complex ideas explained in an easier way

female99 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#21

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Tactful and careful wording. It implies that they are consciously, actively taking into consideration their environment and the feelings of those around them.

Someone who blurts out something impulsive or insensitive is typically not someone I would consider wise.

SeaworthinessFirm653 , Harli Marten Report

Add photo comments
POST
shylabouche_1 avatar
Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone who blurts things out may simply be socially awkward, on the autism spectrum, or thinking faster than they can speak.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent when you're complaining, they ask if you want advice, or just someone to listen

trashcrayon , Priscilla Du Preez Report

Add photo comments
POST
fourthrowe avatar
DJR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I disagree with this one. This is a very easily learned behavior.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent They are able to adjust their speech without sounding patronizing to the person they are speaking to. They pay attention to how other people learn and explain things in their terms

Nhjauea , Bewakoof.com Official Report

Add photo comments
POST
elp200 avatar
Kharyss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a sign of intelligence. You can be highly intelligent but have no people skills whatsoever. You can also clearly explain things to others if you have good subject knowledge and moderate intelligence.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

This isn’t a universal “intelligent” trait but a few of the smartest people I know are always a little bit paranoid and very aware of their surroundings. Two people in particular who come to mind are meticulously aware of the small details happening in the moment that most people would just miss. They can get a read on a complete stranger sitting across the room with frightening precision.

It’s not a well read, book smart type of intelligence. But more of a hyper awareness of all things while still laughing, having fun or holding a conversation. Like the hardware on their brain works more efficiently.

GlumSunshine Report

#25

They make keen observations about minuscule things. Shows how attentive and aware they are

SpilledCobra872 Report

Add photo comments
POST
frankh_1 avatar
Frank H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could you please add that missing period at the end of the last sentence?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Patience, and they don’t make knee jerk reactions.

Actuaryba , Medienstürmer Report

Add photo comments
POST
darianstarfrog avatar
Darian Starfrog
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Patience..oh patience, aren't we close friends.. waiting for the scientific news that allows me to speak of what I've known for years..

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

31 “Small, Low-Key Signs” That A Person Is Really Intelligent Excellent memory and retention and then application of such after a passage of time.

bfvbill , lilartsy Report

Add photo comments
POST
elp200 avatar
Kharyss
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not for all things. I know some ferociously intelligent people. Multiple degrees. Constant thirst for knowledge. Can understand and combine complex concepts then extrapolate to develop their own theories. But they can’t set the microwave timer or remember what they had for dinner last night. If it’s not important to them, they will simply not retain the knowledge.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

When asked a question, they take the time to think about an answer rather than just blurting out any and all info on the subject that they remember.

Rapalla93 Report

#29

Usually their jokes don't revolve around sexual jokes or toilet humour.

El_Perrito_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
ruthhempsey avatar
Ruth Hempsey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. They can be as down and dirty as anybody when they're in that kind of mood. Intelligent people often know more so called bad words than the average person and how to use them to effect. Think of some famous, clever and very funny comedians who use foul language.

nataliagehenna avatar
Lonely Tentacle
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree! Plus intelligence doesn't have anything to do with preferences.

Load More Replies...
ola_n avatar
Headless Roach
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But- but- toilet humour is the best. Damn, I'm an ordinary idiot then.

geordiemcdougall avatar
GMc
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, you're an extraordinary idiot, don't sell yourself short. And welcome to the club.

Load More Replies...
karenphilpott avatar
margotwoestenburg avatar
The crushinator
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just another way for people to feel better than other people because they need to. Enjoy your farts, life is too short.

Load More Replies...
cassilyris avatar
Cassi Lyris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Entirely untrue. We also cuss like you would not believe. Just because we understand time and place context doesn't mean a fart stopped being silly. We all are generally very cunning linguists. 😉

geordiemcdougall avatar
GMc
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, why do we get all pissy about toilet humour. At least it's not bad puns.

tjockjavel avatar
Tjock Javel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which intelligent person does not launch att themself after farting on their lazy cat?

benevolent_iconoclast avatar
Asphalt Bubblegum
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had four people in my life who tested at IQ baselines of between 160-188, and all four would regularly tell the filthiest jokes and cuss the air purple. Being crude was a pressure relief valve. In same breath, plenty of stupid people say nasty and mean-spirited things they think are funny. There's no such thing as a funny victimless joke, but if your intention is to be hateful or to to cause deliberate harm to another, that's just being evil, and that's neither smart nor funny.

ovataacronicta avatar
Ovata Acronicta
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Have you truly lived until you've fallen, laughing, to the floor of a store at midnight while making Rude sounds with noise putty?

margotwoestenburg avatar
The crushinator
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or witnessed a dog fart itself awake and start barking like you're the problem, classic.

Load More Replies...
leecowell avatar
Lee Cowell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

True.. they never belittle the opposite gender or ethnicity. we're all "made" the same.

kimkane avatar
Can't go for that
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am a big fan of course humor and dry wit. But gawd.....I cannot tell a joke. And I'm smart enough to not even try. 🙃

odessabourque avatar
O'Dessa Bourque
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My humor is either crass, observational, or punny. My most favorite joke is a crass one about Red Riding Hood that's punchline is a play on words (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)⁠❤ Comedy is about timing. And your wit must be quick to make that work (⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)

rileyhquinn avatar
Riley Quinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My favorite jokes are the ones that take a few seconds to process. I love watching the audience's reaction as it hits and spreads thru the room. However, Bob Saget was a smart guy, but boy, oh boy, some of his jokes...

mb_6 avatar
M B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate ribald and raunchy humor. There's so much more to humor.

christophertrott avatar
waynereynolds955 avatar
Wayne Reynolds
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And why do you think that the 'F' word should be used sparingly? I use it often and in various applications in conversation with satisfying effect. If the 'F' word offends someone when I use it then I can easily temper it with another word or phrase that may bring a smile of recognition and acceptance, but to those that are offended simply because they have been conditioned to be offended by it, then they can just effect off IMHO.

Load More Replies...
darianstarfrog avatar
cassilyris avatar
Cassi Lyris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not necessarily. You might find a bad mood enlightened by some Lonely Island or Ninja $ex Party. If anything, embracing p€€ p€€ humor might make you feel better, more connected, and less lonely. Putting down someone's sense of humor doesn't make anyone seem smarter, just more pedantic and up their own @ss.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Not arguing back to further prove there point to be right

uhitsaznik Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#31

They think with their brain rather than their emotions

Far_Opposite2662 Report