Truly intelligent people are often quite reserved and don't feel the need to show off or prove themselves. Those who lack genuine intelligence often do the opposite. Here are some ways to identify them.
They talk more than they listen. People feigning intelligence often try to be the "star" of every conversation, instead of understanding that success sometimes lies in stepping back and listening.
A 2020 study on communication defined listening as "the altruistic act of being present with another person, which has a powerful impact on health and well-being".
According to experts, talking more than listening often reflects a lack of confidence, which some people try to mask by constantly chattering.
According to psychotherapist Jenny Maenpaa, founder of Forward in Heels (US), intelligent people are often better listeners. "Active listening is when someone can focus for an extended period, truly understand what you're saying, and refrain from interrupting," she said.
Conversely, those pretending to be intelligent often steer conversations to inflate their ego.
They brag. Another sign is the habit of bragging, which stems from insecurity. People who frequently proclaim their intelligence are often the least confident in their abilities.
Research from the University of Arizona suggests that exaggerating one's abilities makes others perceive them as untrustworthy. This is a form of "impression management," where people try to create an image that exceeds reality.
Professor Martin Reimann, author of the study, suggests that bragging is often counterproductive. "If you consider yourself highly competent, restrain yourself from showing off or control how you create impressions about what you can do," he said.
Truly intelligent people don't need to prove themselves, while those who want to be seen as intelligent must constantly try to demonstrate it.
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Illustration: Shutterstock |
Illustration: Shutterstock
They lack self-awareness. A key indicator of intelligence is the level of self-awareness. People who understand who they are and what motivates them usually achieve this through self-reflection. Conversely, those less intelligent than they appear often lack self-understanding.
A 2016 psychological study in the US National Library of Medicine defined self-awareness as "the conscious knowledge of one's internal state and how one interacts with others." The results showed that self-reflection and deep understanding are important factors in creating a positive impact.
Intelligent people often question themselves and strive to improve how they present themselves to others. Meanwhile, those lacking true intellect often avoid introspection, leading to an understanding of themselves based only on superficial desires.
They don't admit mistakes. A sign of true intelligence is the ability to say "I don't know," while those feigning intelligence are often too proud to admit being wrong.
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology (US) examined the concept of "intellectual humility," defined as "awareness of the potential for error in one's thinking."
Psychologist Elizabeth J. Krumrei-Mancuso, author of the study, said, "Intellectual humility is associated with a more accurate assessment of one's general knowledge. In other words, knowing and being willing to admit what you don't know can be the first step to seeking new knowledge."
Truly intelligent people know the limits of their understanding, while those pretending often lack this humility.
They seek external validation. According to counselor Judith Pearson (US), relying on praise and compliments from others as a measure of self-worth is a sign of dependence on external validation.
Conversely, those capable of self-validation rely on an "internal compass," using their own standards as a judge.
People who pretend to be intelligent often need constant praise because they don't rely on intrinsic value but on how others perceive them.
They are competitive. Truly intelligent people cultivate humility and affirm others, rather than competing.
Someone constantly comparing themselves negatively suggests they are only pretending to be intelligent, due to a lack of self-confidence.
They might ask you what grade you got on an assignment or demand to know what the boss said in a private meeting, just to reassure themselves that they are better.
They suppress emotions. Suppressing emotions is a sign of low emotional intelligence. Intelligent people understand that experiencing a range of emotions is normal, while those pretending try to appear perfect, refusing to reveal their true feelings.
Psychologist Nick Wignall (US) notes that those lacking emotional intelligence often mask their feelings with complex language, "intellectualizing" emotions to avoid describing them directly.
In contrast, people with high emotional intelligence are not afraid to express themselves using simple, honest language.
Due to difficulty expressing themselves, those feigning intelligence often speak indirectly when referring to emotions. Meanwhile, true intelligence lies in the willingness to accept and express all emotions, even difficult ones.
Nhat Minh (According to Yourtango)
