Joyce Ann Isidro
What does it mean to be a deep thinker?
Deep thinkers are people who like to be in search of the meaning of everything.
They’re philosophers, scientists, writers, and artists who try to make sense of the world through their own unique craft.
However, because the term “deep thinker” has become somewhat of a cliche, some of them like to hide that they’re deep thinkers in fear of being judged.
What they fail to realize is that regardless of people’s judgments, being a deep thinker is a really special thing to be.
So if you know someone who does these 13 things, they’re secretly a deep thinker.
1) They keep to themselves
Deep thinking is not a social activity. That’s why a lot of introverts are secretly deep thinkers.
They often keep to themselves in social gatherings, thinking about something as simple as the new hobbies they’d like to take on to something as complicated as how the world can be a better place for everyone.
If you often see someone in social settings who stands awkwardly in the corner of the room, not talking to anyone, they’re not simply socially awkward—they might actually be a deep thinker.
Their thoughts are usually too convoluted to be shared at something as casual as a lunch date with friends, so they choose to stay quiet and observe instead.
Instead of sharing their own, unique thoughts, one way they could socialize with the people around them is to ask questions.
2) They like to ask questions
Deep thinkers like to ask questions because they’re inherently curious about the world, and they hide in plain sight when they ask questions to the people around them.
Since most people like talking about themselves, they’re usually too engrossed with their own stories to realize that they’re talking to someone who’s secretly a deep thinker.
They ask questions because they want to know the reason behind someone’s behavior, how things work, and why things happen.
Sometimes, it’s not really about the answer, but the process of finding it.
Asking questions is also a way for a deep thinker to gently segue into a meaningful conversation.
3) They like deep conversations
Nothing’s more exciting to a deep thinker than having deep conversations.
But while it can be hard to identify deep thinkers in your circle because they have diverse beliefs, one way you could tell if someone is secretly a deep thinker is how they like to deliberate the meaning of existence, regardless of what they personally believe in.
They like to ponder questions such as: do we all have a greater purpose, or are we free to create our own?
And while they’re so good at deep conversations, they’re horrible at small talk.
4) They’re horrible at small talk
Deep conversations are a deep thinker’s strength, for sure, but small talk is their kryptonite.
They can speak their abstract ideas eloquently, but when it comes to small talk, boy, are they horrible.
They’re probably some of the most well-spoken people you’ll ever meet, but when you stumble upon them in the street and ask them how they’re doing, they’ll get tongue-tied and stutter!
Their awkwardness at small talk is endearing, but you can tell that they’re secretly a deep thinker mainly because they always engage in deep conversations that they never really learned how to have simpler conversations.
5) They observe closely
Because deep thinkers tend to be introverted, they prefer to observe people and the world around them rather than actively engage in conversations.
They can tell so much about a person just by observing how they behave around certain people, the way they speak, and even the way they dress.
It can be hard to see someone who’s secretly a deep thinker, but you will know when you get to talk to them and feel so seen, even if you barely know them.
In fact, their powerful observation skills is how they are able to see through people.
6) They see through people
We already know that deep thinkers are not social butterflies.
But while they can be awkward, their powerful ability to observe means they see through people accurately.
They might not actively engage in conversation, but they can still read you and see a glimpse of the kind of person that you are, even when you’re not interacting with them.
And you’ll know that they’re secretly a deep thinker when you talk to them and they seem to see right through your soul.
It can be scary at first, for sure, but when you get to know them, it’ll feel so special how someone could know so much about you even if you’ve only known each other for a short period of time.
7) They don’t know much about pop culture
You’ll know someone’s secretly a deep thinker when you see how they don’t really keep up with pop culture. You can talk to them about the latest internet gossip and they’d probably just get confused!
And it’s not that they see pop culture as stupid or meaningless—it’s simply not they’re interest.
Instead of keeping up with pop culture, they’d rather spend their time doing their own unique hobbies, such as reading books in genres they’re interested in, painting pictures of their favorite places, or writing about their special interests.
They don’t really mind if some people think they’re not “trendy” as long as they’re doing what makes them happy, even if that means they would end up feeling like they don’t fit in.
8) They feel like they don’t fit in
A person is secretly a deep thinker when they feel like they don’t fit in.
Because of their unique hobbies and special interests, they’re unable to relate to most people.
They’re not really trying to be different or to stand out in a crowd—they simply have uncommon interests.
They could have a fascination with peculiar animals, like to eat weird ice cream flavors, or desire to travel to places that are not usually tourist spots simply because that’s their favorite author’s favorite place.
This tendency to feel out of place often drives them to read books and write their thoughts instead, because that’s some of the only ways they don’t feel alone.
9) They like to write and read a lot
While not all deep thinkers read the same books, they all have one thing in common: they read a LOT.
Some of them like fiction, some non-fiction, and some might even like young adult romance novels, but reading truly makes them happy.
And because most bookworms also write a lot, the same thing is true for them.
They don’t have to write mind-boggling think pieces or the most magical fantasy stories to enjoy writing. They can journal their own thoughts and still feel happy, because everything they do, they do with passion.
10) They do everything with passion
A deep thinker is passionate. Whatever hobby or interest they may have, they do it with passion.
They don’t like being forced to do something that they’re not interested in because that means they can’t do it with passion, and that they’re only doing it out of necessity.
That’s how you know that someone is secretly a deep thinker when they have a job that enables them to do what they love and make a living out of it.
11) They like to analyze everything
In a fast-moving, ever-changing world, it’s easy to take everything at face value—but a person who is secretly a deep thinker would rather spend time analyzing everything.
They are often detail oriented, and would rather see every single detail than look at the bigger picture.
They don’t like to be spoon-fed, and would rather think for themselves and form their own opinions.
However, this tendency to over-analyze everything often results in indecision.
12) They can be indecisive
A simple decision could probably send a deep thinker straight to the ER.
If you’re out with them and you ask them where they want to eat, they’d just stare at you blankly as they get paralyzed by the huge number of choices they have.
When they relax, they probably avoid making simple choices like which Netflix show to watch. They think:
“What if I don’t like this and end up wasting my time?”
“What if the actors and producers are unethical and I’m unknowingly supporting bad people?”
And then they’d end up beating themselves up for spending too much time choosing something to watch.
There’s no question that they’re smart, but it can truly be a pain to see their thought processes when they make a decision.
13) They always want to know why
A person is secretly a deep thinker when they always ask why.
They wonder: Why do we exist? Why do we tend to believe in a higher power? Why is there still racism, misogyny, and homophobia in a supposedly modern world?
Deep thinkers always want to know the reason why. It can sometimes drive them crazy when they don’t immediately find the answer, but the journey to get there is still enjoyable for them, nonetheless.
