Intelligence seems to be becoming increasingly uncommon these days. Additionally, many people seem to have a very unrealistic view of their own intelligence. In fact, 65% of Americans believe they are brighter than the typical person, although the majority clearly overestimate their intelligence. Fortunately, there are certain expressions often used by smart people that may indicate a higher degree of comprehension. As we shall see, intelligence is more than simply the ability to solve complicated arithmetic equations or swiftly absorb information. Let’s look at 11 common phrases that truly smart people often say.
“Can You Explain This In Greater Detail?”
This particular question reflects a person’s curiosity and desire to learn more about the subject. This is actually a common phrase among genuinely smart people, as they recognize the complexity of most situations. Therefore, they typically seek to gain comprehensive information about the subject to help find any potential solutions. Research from a 2022 study revealed that curiosity drives learning and growth in people. Epistemic curiosity (the desire for knowledge), motivates us to seek out new ideas and fill gaps in our knowledge. Those individuals with curious minds are often seen as more intelligent because they continually connect new insights with existing knowledge.
“Agree to Disagree”
We all have very different life experiences and won’t always come to the same conclusion as others. Very often agreeing to disagree can turn into a great learning experience for all involved. In fact, research has shown that when team members are able to constructively disagree and challenge each other, it always leads to better understanding and results. However, when everyone just agreed, it reduced the healthy disagreements and thus people understood less. According to one study, this could be due to wanting to avoid conflict or excessive compromise. However, smart people are already cognizant of this fact and prefer to use disagreements to increase their knowledge.
“What Are Your Thoughts on the Matter?”
Smart people often say this to gain greater insight from all angles before making a decision on a certain matter. Smart people recognize that healthy conversation is the best approach to getting there, which is why they are always getting constructive feedback from others. Using these discussion techniques is great for improving your memory of existing knowledge and encouraging independent thinking.
“I See Your Point of View, However..”
Smart people recognize that just arguing endlessly only leads to tension. By rather viewing these discussions as opportunities for learning, smart people gather valuable insights and use them to reach better conclusions. Keeping an open mind during conversations allows them to benefit from seeing differing viewpoints. This means they typically often leave with newfound knowledge, even if a consensus isn’t reached between the parties involved.
“Is There Anything You Would Change About This?”
Smart people are very aware of their own blind spots and biases. Due to this awareness, smart people typically make a concerted effort to seek out the opinions of other people. This allows them to adjust their thinking and work as they deem necessary. Asking people questions not only provides you with information but also encourages creativity and a desire to learn. Therefore, smart people who ask others’ opinions generally end up with better results and successes.
“I Don’t Actually Know”
While one may assume that intelligent people know everything, smart people know that they actually don’t. Smart people don’t mind admitting that they don’t know everything, because they know that it’s impossible. They also enjoy learning new things, and there would be nothing left to learn if they already knew it all.
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“Let’s Research This More”
When a person says “Let’s research this some more”, it’s usually a good indication that they are a smart person. It means that they want to get all the facts straight before making a decision on something. Smart people know that you can’t get all your information from other people’s opinions, but you also need to read and research. Actively reading has many benefits, such as expanding your vocabulary, improving verbal skills, and increasing your knowledge.
“This Reminds Me of…”
Linking past knowledge to new information is a proven way to boost memory, and smart people typically have a wealth of background knowledge to draw from. Educational psychology research shows that students with strong foundational knowledge tend to learn and succeed more easily. Conversely, a lack of it can make learning significantly more difficult. Intelligent people often connect what they already know to the matter at hand. This makes it somewhat easier for others to learn from them and grasp the bigger picture.
“I’m Not Sure What This Means, But I Intend Finding Out”
While smart people admittedly don’t know everything, they are more than willing to find out! They have an innate desire to learn more and expand their knowledge. They are aware that this is the only way to achieve their goals, so they are more than willing to do so. Reading may even be associated with longevity! One study found that, on average, readers lived 23 months longer than non-readers. They also had a 20% lower risk of death over a 12-year period.
“Perhaps We Should Change Our Approach”
Another remark that genuinely smart people frequently use is “We should change our approach.” They understand that if they don’t do it perfectly the first time, adjusting their approach or mindset is the greatest way to succeed the next time. Smart individuals, unlike many others, are adaptable and willing to change. And it is precisely this mentality that makes them so brilliant. According to a report published in Psychological Science, bright individuals are more likely to remain open-minded and listen to many people’s perspectives before developing their own.
“I Think I Need Some Time to Process This”
Smart people don’t always think quickly and sometimes require extra time to process information. In complex situations, high-IQ people often take longer to find solutions because their brains are thoroughly working through each detail. When an intelligent person says, “I need time to process this,” it’s not just a delay tactic. Rather, they genuinely need that time to organize their thoughts and fully think the situation through.
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