Strange Traits That Indicate You Have a High IQ

Intelligence is challenging to assess accurately, and to this day, scientists have yet to discover the most precise method for measuring it. However, science has identified peculiar characteristics that may indicate a person is intelligent and has a high IQ. Let’s explore what signs indicate a person with high intelligence and IQ.

1. Becoming a “Night Owl”

Most of us think that intelligent people are those who can manage their lives well, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have self-control.

However, recent scientific studies have proven the opposite. One typical manifestation is that “night owls” tend to have higher intelligence compared to early risers.

To validate this assertion, scientists from the University of Liège (Belgium) conducted an experiment comparing two groups of volunteers: those who sleep early and those who sleep late.

Many scientific studies found that “night owls” are smarter than early risers. (Image: Healthyway)

Both groups were asked to perform tasks requiring high concentration while experts used MRI scans to monitor their brain activity.

The results showed that after 10 hours, the concentration levels of the early sleepers significantly dropped, while the late sleepers remained unchanged.

In fact, this is a result of the evolutionary process in human history. Since ancient times, our ancestors tended to forage and work during the day while seeking shelter in caves at night.

According to researchers, going against this trend is a sign of intelligence. In reality, geniuses like Charles Darwin and Winston Churchill often went to bed at 4 AM.

2. A Highly Loyal Partner

Sex is considered a natural instinct of humans and seems to have little connection to intelligence. However, experts suggest that a man’s response to sex can indicate whether he is intelligent.

Our early ancestors, especially men, had a very liberal view of sex. Engaging in relationships or sleeping with multiple women was simply seen as a means of procreation, similar to many animal species.

Thus, men who are loyal and typically love and live with only one partner go against the common trend in society. According to experts, this is a manifestation of intelligence.

An independent study from the University of North Carolina also yielded similar results. It found that 39.8% of young men with average IQs (90-110) had engaged in sexual activity, while only 29.2% of intelligent young men (IQ over 110) had done so.

Moreover, this study also indicated that teenagers with an IQ of 100 are 1.5 to 5 times more likely to engage in “forbidden fruit” activities than those with IQs between 120 and 130.

3. Intelligent People Often Have Mothers Who Experienced Severe Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

Science has shown that intelligence is partly influenced by genetic factors. However, few people know that if a mother experiences severe morning sickness during pregnancy, it may mean that the child born will be more intelligent.

According to Reuters, a group of scientists led by Dr. Irena Nulman has validated this claim. Tests conducted on 121 Canadian children aged 3 to 7 showed that children of mothers with severe morning sickness had significantly higher IQ scores, especially in memory and language ability.

Specifically, experts explain that morning sickness usually occurs in the early months of pregnancy. This phenomenon, while uncomfortable for the mother, is beneficial for the fetus.

Continuous nausea during pregnancy is related to specific stimuli essential for the long-term development of young children, reducing the rates of miscarriage and stillbirth. Therefore, to some extent, a mother’s morning sickness may enhance the child’s intelligence.

4. A “Technologically Challenged” Individual

Embracing new scientific technologies is encouraged; however, excessive reliance on them can threaten your intellectual development. According to The Times Online, the excessive use of electronic devices, especially texting, can lead to a condition known as “infomania.”

British researchers have found that individuals suffering from “infomania” actually face intelligence issues. The IQ of these individuals can drop by up to 4 points compared to those using stimulants like drugs or cannabis. In other words, being a little “technologically challenged” can greatly benefit your intellectual development.

5. Non-Smokers

According to scientific reports published by Dailymail, smokers aged 18 to 21 have an average IQ of about 94. In contrast, non-smokers can achieve an IQ of up to 101.

Heavy smoking even suggests a lack of intelligence. Those who smoke more than a pack a day typically have an IQ of only 90. Moreover, in a pair of siblings, the non-smoker is always found to be smarter than the smoker.

6. Learning Music

Scientists assert that learning music can significantly help children develop various skills. Initially, the verbal intelligence of a child aged 4 to 6 can increase after just one month of music lessons.

Results from a study in 2004 involving a 6-year-old child participating in a 9-month music course showed a significant increase in both intelligence and cognitive abilities.

7. Being the Eldest Sibling

Eldest siblings in a family tend to be more successful in their careers compared to their younger siblings. This is because they are often smarter.

A 2007 study found that eldest siblings typically have an IQ about 3 points higher than their nearest younger sibling.

8. Not Overweight

French scientists conducted a survey involving 2,200 people over five years to determine whether increasing weight affects cognitive abilities.

The results showed an inverse relationship: A smaller waist size indicates better cognitive abilities.

Slim actress Natalie Portman graduated from Harvard University and is fluent in six languages

Specifically, individuals with a low body mass index (BMI) under 20 could remember approximately 56% of words in a memory test, while those with a BMI above 30 could only recall 44%.

More seriously, after five years, these individuals were retested, and with increased body weight, their memory ability declined by an additional 37.5%. This demonstrates that a healthy, non-overweight body can contribute to a sharper mind.

9. Cat Owners

Dog owners have been studied and found to be more sociable and open compared to cat owners. However, when tested for intelligence, cat owners often perform better.

Cat owners are believed to possess higher intelligence than dog owners

Scientists explain that dog owners tend to walk their pets and become more open. In contrast, cat owners often live more introverted lives, staying home and reading while petting their cats. This difference contributes to their higher intelligence compared to dog owners.

10. Breastfeeding

Research involving over 3,000 infants in New Zealand and the United Kingdom has shown that children who are exclusively breastfed can develop up to 7 IQ points more if they possess a special gene known as FADS2.

This gene is believed to help regulate the pathway of fatty acids, allowing children to better utilize the incredible nutrition from breast milk or develop their brains more rapidly.

11. Use of Stimulants

A rather unusual study involving over 6,000 participants revealed a link between high IQ in youth and the later use of stimulants.

The results indicated that these two issues are indeed correlated. Thus, it is surprising that an individual currently using stimulants may have had a relatively high IQ during their youth.

12. Left-Handed Individuals

Left-handed people are rarer than right-handed individuals. Despite the fact that they often have to find ways to integrate with the majority, their intelligence is sometimes asserted to be higher.

Left-handed individuals may develop their ability for “divergent thinking” – the creative capability essential for generating novel ideas.

13. Trusting Individuals Are Often Intelligent

Researchers from the University of Oxford conducted a comprehensive survey in the United States to gauge public opinion.

The results showed that intelligent individuals or those with high IQs tend to be more trusting of others.

Scientists suggest that highly intelligent individuals excel at identifying and assessing the personalities of others, which leads them to form and develop relationships with trustworthy and loyal individuals.

14. Clutter and Disorganization

Despite parents always telling you to clean your room, if it still looks like a tornado hit it, that might be a sign of intelligence. According to a study from the University of Minnesota, a messy environment fosters creative thinking.

The research indicated that organized individuals tend to make safe choices, while famously disorganized people (like Albert Einstein) exhibit creative thoughts that lead to breakthroughs. Therefore, if you’re looking for signs of genius, don’t overlook those who have messy living spaces.

15. Talking to Oneself

Studies indicate that talking to oneself can be a sign of significantly higher intelligence than average. Verbalizing thoughts can help organize ideas and actions. Murmuring to oneself can also enhance focus and speed up task completion. So, the next time you’re criticized for mumbling in the library, just tell the librarian you’re trying to boost your brainpower.

16. Curiosity

Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is difficult to improve as one ages. However, two other metrics, Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Curiosity Quotient (CQ), can be enhanced over time and may play a much larger role in improving cognitive function. If you’re trying to find ways to become smarter, focus on improving these two traits.

Specifically, individuals with higher CQ embrace the unknown, enjoy asking questions, and formulate their own hypotheses. Their intelligence will increase over time, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities.

17. Sense of Humor

In one study, students in New York were asked to provide captions for cartoons. The results showed that the funniest captions were written by those who scored higher on IQ tests.

18. Humility

In psychology, the Dunning–Kruger effect is a form of cognitive bias in which people overestimate their cognitive abilities compared to their actual capabilities.

On the other hand, highly skilled individuals who exhibit many signs of intelligence rarely boast about their achievements and may even doubt their own abilities.

Highly intelligent people do not try to act as if they know everything. In fact, a sign of intelligence is recognizing the truth that you do not know it all. Instead, they understand their limits and can acknowledge them.

• Why do scientists put goggles on birds to study their flying abilities?
• The US creates the largest digital camera in the world
• Why does this bird lay 2 eggs but always abandon 1?