Lucas Graham
Intelligence — it’s a concept we often talk about but can be quite tricky to pin down.
It’s not just about academic accolades or eloquent speeches, it’s much more nuanced than that.
You see, some people may appear intelligent, but their actions and habits can sometimes betray a different story.
Ever come across someone who professes to be smart, yet something just doesn’t quite add up?
Well, psychology has a few cues to help decipher the facade. And in this article, we’re going to uncover 9 signs that someone is not as intelligent as they pretend to be.
Just remember, this isn’t about judging or labeling people, it’s about understanding the complexities of human behavior. Let’s dive in.
1) They misuse big words
In the world of pseudo-intellect, vocabulary is often weaponized.
It’s not uncommon to encounter individuals who arm themselves with complex words and jargon to appear smart.
The thing is, genuine intelligence isn’t about using big words to impress people. It’s about communicating effectively and clearly.
Those who are truly smart can take complex ideas and explain them in simple terms that anyone can understand.
So when someone continually uses big or complex words out of context or incorrectly, it might be a sign they’re not as intelligent as they seem.
They may think they’re coming across as smart, but in reality, they’re just revealing their lack of understanding.
Remember, a robust vocabulary is impressive only when it’s used appropriately. But the misuse of big words? That’s a different story altogether.
2) They’re resistant to learning new things
Let’s talk about the concept of a “growth mindset”.
A growth mindset, as defined by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.
It’s about loving learning and having resilience, which is essential for great accomplishments.
Individuals with a growth mindset are always open to new ideas and experiences. They see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, not as threats.
But here’s the kicker…
When someone consistently avoids learning new things or resists change, it could be a sign that they’re not as intelligent as they portray themselves to be.
They might act like they know it all, but their reluctance to embrace new knowledge says otherwise. Being intelligent isn’t just about what you already know; it’s about your willingness to learn and adapt.
3) They never admit when they’re wrong
Interestingly, a willingness to admit when you’re wrong is closely tied to a growth mindset.
You see, real intelligence isn’t about always being right. It’s about recognizing when you’re wrong and learning from it.
Contrary to what some might believe, admitting mistakes doesn’t make one weak. Rather, it showcases a strong character and a thirst for improvement.
So, it’s quite paradoxical when someone who portrays themselves as intelligent never admits they’re wrong. They might think it makes them look infallible, but it actually does the opposite.
It suggests that they’re more interested in appearing smart than actually growing and learning. That’s not what genuine intelligence looks like.
Simply put, an inability to admit mistakes can be a tell-tale sign of faux intelligence.
4) They don’t listen to others
Ever noticed how some people are more interested in waiting for their turn to talk rather than truly listening to what you’re saying?
This could be a sign that they’re not as intelligent as they want to appear.
Intelligent individuals understand the value of listening. They know that everyone they meet knows something they don’t and that every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new.
But individuals who pretend to be intelligent often miss this point. They’re so focused on showcasing their own knowledge and ideas that they fail to absorb and learn from others.
If someone is always interrupting, dominating conversations, or simply not paying attention when others speak, it could indicate a lack of intelligence. After all, true intelligence is as much about listening and learning as it is about speaking and teaching.
5) They lack critical thinking skills
Critical thinking is a cornerstone of intelligence. It’s the ability to analyze information objectively and make reasoned judgments.
So, when someone lacks these critical thinking abilities, it could be a sign that they’re not as intelligent as they pretend to be.
Here are some signs that someone lacks critical thinking skills:
- They believe everything they read or hear without questioning it.
- They jump to conclusions without considering all the facts.
- They struggle with problem-solving and decision-making.
- They have difficulty understanding the perspectives of others.
These points aren’t about making someone feel less than, but rather about understanding that intelligence is more than just knowing things—it’s about being able to apply that knowledge in thoughtful and meaningful ways.
6) They overestimate their own intelligence
In my experience, truly intelligent people are often humble about their intelligence.
Why?
Because they recognize that there’s so much they don’t know. They understand that knowledge is infinite and they’re just scratching the surface.
This phenomenon is actually backed by a well-known psychological effect called the Dunning-Kruger effect. According to this, individuals with low ability at a task overestimate their ability.
In other words, people who aren’t very intelligent often think they’re much smarter than they actually are.
It’s like they’re in a bubble of self-delusion, unaware of their own limitations.
Now, let’s be clear. There’s nothing wrong with having confidence in our abilities. But when someone constantly overestimates their intelligence and disregards the thoughts and opinions of others, it could be a sign that they’re not as smart as they believe themselves to be.
7) They have a narrow perspective
Imagine this: You’re engaged in a deep, meaningful conversation about a global issue. You present your thoughts and ideas, and the person you’re talking to simply dismisses them without giving it much thought. They seem uninterested in considering perspectives different from their own.
Doesn’t that make you question their intellectual capacity?
Intelligent people tend to have an open mind. They’re curious about different viewpoints and are always ready to expand their perspectives.
So, when someone shows a narrow perspective, only seeing things from one point of view and being dismissive of others, it’s worth asking: Are they truly as intelligent as they claim to be?
Could it be that they’re more interested in defending their beliefs than in broadening their understanding?
Limiting one’s perspective is limiting one’s growth. And true intelligence thrives on growth.
8) They can’t hold a meaningful conversation
This one takes me back to a coffee meet-up I once had with an old friend, who was always boasting about his intelligence.
He could talk for hours about the latest tech gadgets or the stock market. But when the conversation shifted to something more meaningful — like emotions, relationships, or philosophy — he seemed out of his depth.
Now, I don’t mean to imply that discussing tech or stocks is shallow. But true intelligence extends beyond factual knowledge. It involves emotional intelligence and the ability to engage in deep, meaningful conversations.
If someone can only talk about superficial topics and struggles to delve into deeper discussions, it might be a sign that their intelligence is not as profound as they make it out to be.
After all, a truly intelligent person can converse about more than just what’s on the surface. They can dive deep and navigate through complex thoughts and ideas.
9) They show a lack of empathy
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a lack of empathy can be a glaring sign that someone isn’t as intelligent as they pretend to be.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence, which is inherently tied to overall intelligence.
Someone might be highly knowledgeable or academically gifted, but if they can’t empathize with others, their intelligence is incomplete.
They might dismiss this aspect, focusing instead on their logical or analytical abilities. But in doing so, they’re overlooking a critical component of what it truly means to be intelligent.
So, if you encounter someone who struggles to show empathy, it’s worth remembering that intelligence isn’t one-dimensional. It’s multi-faceted, and empathy plays a vital role in it.
What does genuine intelligence look like?
As we’ve explored, faux intelligence can be spotted through various signs. But recognizing genuine intelligence is just as important.
So, what does genuine intelligence look like? Here are a few traits that truly intelligent people often exhibit:
- They’re curious and open-minded.
- They appreciate and seek out diversity in thought and perspective.
- They’re adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity.
- They continually strive for self-improvement.
Understanding intelligence is not about judging others, but rather about better appreciating the complexities of human cognition and behavior. As we embrace this understanding, let’s strive to value genuine intelligence — in ourselves and others — that goes beyond mere pretense.
In doing so, we can foster more authentic connections, fruitful discussions, and personal growth. After all, isn’t that a sign of true intelligence?
