Not All Intelligence Is Created Equal
Everyone brings their own flavor of intelligence to the table, but what makes certain people rise above the rest? Psychologists agree: there isn’t just one kind of intelligence. Howard Gardner, kicking off this debate in the 1980s, introduced the world to the concept of “multiple intelligences.” Today, some experts even count up to nine different kinds! (If you’re counting on your fingers, you might need to borrow a few hands.)
Still, the most familiar kind – the one we casually toss around in conversation – boils down to the good old IQ, measured by that famous (or infamous) test.
What Makes Someone Truly Exceptional?
In this context, people who score above 130 on the IQ scale are considered to be more intelligent than average. In everyday language, these folks are often called “gifted” or labeled as having High Intellectual Potential. Gifted individuals typically share some common traits: many are extroverted or socially pleasant. (And before you ask, yes, charming in-laws may be hiding hidden genius!)
Yet, after a study involving nearly 8,000 participants, researchers zeroed in on THE one key personality trait that unites these “superior minds,” making them stand out from the intellectual crowd.
The Standout Trait According to Science
Grant Hilary Brenner, a renowned psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, tackles the question head-on. According to Brenner, the true game-changer for intelligence is openness to new experiences. This isn’t just a small factor; it plays a major role in how a person’s intelligence develops and shines, in several ways.
Think about it: to constantly pursue new adventures and dive into fresh, unknown experiences, you need some serious skills. For starters, you’ve got to be creative – always dreaming up solutions to whatever curveballs life throws your way. But that’s not all; you also need a genuine knack for adaptability, to handle new, unexpected, or even difficult situations that land in your lap.
- Creativity to dream up solutions and handle surprises
- Adaptability for braving the unknown and facing challenges head-on
Go Forth, Curious Souls!
So, for all you explorers of life, extreme adventurers, daredevils, and those who love experimenting with the little things: ignore the naysayers who claim you’re reckless! Maybe your intelligence is simply a notch too high for them to grasp your boundless curiosity. Embrace it, keep discovering, and remember – science is on your side.
