High-IQ People Are Rarely Surprised By 9 Things Average Minds Find Shocking
Face Stock | Shutterstock There are parts of daily life that some people consider typical, while others may think are strange. We're all living very different lives, after all, and the same is true for high-IQ individuals and those with average intelligence.
There are all kinds of things that high-IQ people are rarely surprised by, but other people find shocking and just plain weird. These things not only speak to their lifestyle differences, but point out a gap that keeps the average person stuck and unfulfilled.
Things average minds find shocking that high-IQ people are rarely surprised by
1. People who have debates by choice
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Intelligent people love thoughtful conversations that have a productive tone. Whether it's debates with someone who has a differing opinion or a hard conversation to resolve conflict in their relationship, they're not afraid to lean into difficult situations and emotional environments.
But the average person tends to be more avoidant when it comes to discomfort. They not only leave all kinds of issues and topics of conversation on the table, but they also overlook opportunities to grow that intelligent people leverage by leaning into discomfort and uncertainty.
2. Successful people not knowing everything
We're so used to idolizing the smartest people we know, constantly picking their brain for information and even putting them on a pedestal at work. But the truth is that these people don't know everything. Nobody does.
It might be shocking to the average person, but high-IQ people are usually successful because they're willing to embrace discomfort and be open-minded. Most of us cling to comfort at our own expense and don't realize that true success lies in curiosity.
3. Scams and conspiracy theories
Intelligent people have the critical-thinking skills that usually protect them from falling victim to conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims. They can unpack things, making fake news and conspiracies less shocking than they are to the average person, who gives little space to indulge in any original, critical thought.
They're not only safer because they have these kinds of complex, thoughtful minds, but they can have more reflective conversations and consider serious topics without accepting fiction as an automatic fact.
4. Changing careers often or later in life
According to a 2018 study, most intelligent people with higher levels of cognitive ability are more likely to take risks. But part of the reason why is that they can see the big picture and consider the future.
When they're not happy or fulfilled, they have a layer of perspective that makes risks and big moves more exciting and secure. They're curious and sometimes enthralled by uncertainty, which couldn't be any more shocking to the average person.
5. Imposter syndrome
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Imposter syndrome is when high-achievers tend to doubt their own abilities, attributing success to luck or timing. Unfortunately, it's usually average folks who are the most confident, and aren't afraid to loudly express the wrong ideas and opinions.
Why would the smartest, highest achieving people second-guess their skills or worry that they don't have the ability to succeed in a specific role? To them, pretending is often the way to find comfort, and that's replaced by humility and an eagerness to learn in the most intelligent people.
6. Preferring alone time over social events
Everyone needs a balance between solitude and socializing, but high-IQ people tend to prefer spending time in their own company. They're not afraid to face their own thoughts or do things alone, especially when their deep-thinking minds need less stimulation to truly reflect and relax.
High-IQ people are rarely surprised when someone prefers to spend time alone or chooses to say "no" to social plans in favor of solitude, because that's them. The average person, who often runs from and tries to distract themselves from alone time, is shocked when their plans are turned down in favor of it.
7. Quiet people being the smartest in the room
Considering confidence and extroversion are widely celebrated in our society, quietness being a sign of intelligence is so stunning to the average person. They're used to celebrating and trusting the loudest, most confident person in the room, not someone who's an active listener from the sidelines.
Intelligent people know better than anyone that quietness is one of the most admirable traits you can have. It creates opportunities to learn and build meaningful connections. Compared to overconfident people who overpromise and underdeliver daily, it's the quiet ones who are humble and truly intelligent.
8. A lack of change
Intelligent people who are prone to changing and accepting uncertainty for their own personal growth are not really ever surprised when others refuse to follow their lead. They're used to being misunderstood in society, so they prefer to spend their time alone.
The average person doesn't love to accept discomfort, unless they're forced to by someone else. And we know all too well that someone can't truly change at the hands of another person's request.
9. Creative people having messy homes
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High-IQ people who are naturally creative and innovative often require a certain level of clutter and messiness at home to spark their inspiration.
But to the average person, who often finds a sense of inner mental control through cleaning, it's often jaw-dropping to walk into someone else's home in a condition like this.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
