Smart People: 13 Science-Backed Traits

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a science article that lists traits associated with being smart. Participants reflect on their own traits in relation to the article, sharing personal insights and experiences regarding intelligence and self-perception.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about their own traits, with one noting they have 4 traits, 6 they lack, and 3 they are neutral about.
  • Another participant claims to have 8 traits but feels the others contradict their self-image.
  • A participant mentions the difficulty in self-assessment, suggesting that self-judgment can vary.
  • Several participants share the belief that intelligence can be perceived through physical cues, particularly the eyes, with one participant referencing a neighbor's opinion on trustworthiness based on eye contact.
  • There are discussions about the relationship between intelligence and lifestyle, with some suggesting that smarter individuals may lead healthier lives.
  • Participants debate the definitions of "smart" and "intelligent," noting that these terms may be used differently by individuals.
  • One participant humorously claims to have calculated their lack of traits in a very short time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions of intelligence or the traits associated with being smart. There are multiple competing views regarding self-assessment and the perception of intelligence.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their self-assessments, indicating that personal definitions of traits may vary. The discussion includes subjective interpretations of intelligence and its indicators.

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Recent science article on the traits of smart people:

http://www.sciencealert.com/13-science-backed-signs-you-re-smarter-than-you-realise
 
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Physics news on Phys.org
Well, I have only 4 of those traits; there are 6 that I don't have; and 3 that I'm neutral on. I guess I'm not as smart as I thought I was!
 
I have 8 of those traits, the others are completely the opposite to me [emoji23][emoji23]
 
This is a real test of being honest with ones self, to me there are 14 qualifiers on the page ("don't underestimate yourself") should be part of the list.
After an hour, I'm not sure how to answer on four of the traits, I tend to justify them in both directions. (yes I'm that way and no I'm not).
Asking my wife for first thought reactions, put me at about 8 and 5 :rolleyes:
 
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Not sure about the funny part, but a definite yes to the rest of them.
 
I have so many of these, but I still don't think I'm smart.
 
HAYAO said:
I have so many of these, but I still don't think I'm smart.
If you have most of those, then you might not be smarter than average; but having at least a few of them means you cannot be too stu-----, cannot be too dull-in-the-head most of the time.
 
I always thought people can identify who is smart by looking at their eyes.
 
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Apple_Mango said:
I always thought people can identify who is smart by looking at their eyes.
I have a neighbor like that. He also says he can tell if somebody can be trusted by looking in their eyes. He is 64 yo, and dropped out of school after the 6th grade.
 
  • #10
I seem to have 10 of them...:biggrin:, but some other, important ones I am not so good at.
 
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  • #11
Apple_Mango said:
I always thought people can identify who is smart by looking at their eyes.

This actually is true, I think.
 
  • #12
ISamson said:
This actually is true, I think.

I consider what they say and how they react to different situations.
 
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  • #13
BillTre said:
I consider what they say and how they react to different situations.

But from the eyes... it is like staring into their soul. If the eyes are not serious, playful, distracted, stupid, then you can understand quite something about the person.
 
  • #14
However in martial arts we look at the shoulders because how they move indicates the attack that is coming.
 
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  • #15
A strong correlation seems to be smart-er people tend to live healthier than average lifestyles. Are smart-er people same as more intelligent people?

I think the saying "stupid is as stupid does" is still most true...so if I weigh my stoopid achievements and smart achievements...hmmm...let's just say I'm always learning ;)

It's a fair article for media, something for everyone :D
 
  • #16
nitsuj said:
A strong correlation seems to be smart-er people tend to live healthier than average lifestyles. Are smart-er people same as more intelligent people?

I think the saying "stupid is as stupid does" is still most true...so if I weigh my stoopid achievements and smart achievements...hmmm...let's just say I'm always learning ;)

It's a fair article for media, something for everyone :D
Some yes, some no. Some people might use the two words differently. Interesting that one seems to be a germanic word and the other seems to be latin-derived word. Additionally, Intelligence can be sub-classified into different types.
 
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  • #17
symbolipoint said:
Some yes, some no. Some people might use the two words differently. Interesting that one seems to be a germanic word and the other seems to be latin-derived word. Additionally, Intelligence can be sub-classified into different types.
Yes, I poke fun at the whole thing.

Smart can be sub-classified into different types too! There's smart, smarter and...okay I'll stop...being a smart ass.
 
  • #18
Well I disagree with this, as I so accurately calculated the fact that I have exactly 0% of these traits in under 30 seconds.
 
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