8 unexpected signs you are much smarter than you've been led to believe

November 24, 2023

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Written By - Ravi Shankar (GoodMindKeeping)

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Here are 8 things you would never associate with intelligence, yet they are all scientifically proven to be present in smart people. 

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1. You read novels

Studies have found that people who read fiction have higher empathy and emotional intelligence levels.

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2. You are always doodling

Neuroscience has also found evidence that doodlers are more analytical and better able to focus than non-doodlers. 

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3. You play a musical instrument 

The younger you start playing a musical instrument, the higher the effect it can have on your brain development. 

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4. Your home is always messy

Untidiness is linked to creative thinking, which suggests messy people are likely to be artists, musicians, etc. 

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5. You are the oldest child

Firstborn children perform better on cognitive tests than their younger siblings. 

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6. You have poor eyesight 

According to a study by the University of Edinburgh, intelligent people are 30% more likely to need glasses.

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7. You appreciate dark humor

Intelligent people ranked higher in humor cognition and humor memory than those with average IQs. 

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8. You speak multiple languages

Learning to speak another language improves your cognitive skills. Being bilingual may also help prevent you from developing dementia in old age.

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While some of these unexpected signs link to personality traits or genetics, some are choices we make.