Intelligence isn’t a direct measure of genius. In fact, a genius possesses many other traits that raise them above mere smarts. There are certain characteristics that put a person who is just smart on the same level as Einstein. Here is a list of some rare and misunderstood genius traits. Do you possess any of them?
1. An unshakeable sense of self
Many people have a strong sense of who they are, but a small minority have a self-image that can’t be shaken by anyone. They just don’t care, and they might not even recognize when someone is trying to make fun of them. This trait gives a genius the confidence to keep working away at a problem even when other people tell them it’s dumb or a lost cause.
2. Phenomenal memory
To say geniuses have photographic memories is not quite accurate. They have memories that can hold vast amounts of information, both past and present, and they can recall that information reliably. This trait gives an intelligent person the ability to compare and combine many different pieces of information in new and unique ways.
3. Outside the box thinking
Abstract thinking — dealing with concepts, theories, and patterns — comes naturally to a genius. Most of us rely on concrete methods to solve everyday problems. Geniuses think outside the box first, often not even considering conventional ways of thinking. For example, using analogies to solve mathematical or physics problems.
4. Inability to be a good student
Geniuses quickly figure out that school is too rigid for their flexible minds. They are often found “daydreaming” and doodling when they are supposed to be listening to a lecture. And yet, they also know the answer when they’re called out in class. Contrary to popular belief, Einstein didn’t fail out of school, he was just frustrated by the “mechanical discipline” of his teachers. Geniuses simply don’t make good students because they find very little value in school.
5. Antisocial behavior
Geniuses usually struggle socially, either because they don’t understand social cues or because they don’t want to participate in the social contract. This can lead them to do seemingly dumb things, and other people may see them as rude and antisocial, but in reality, they are prioritizing more cerebral activities. If you want to socialize with a genius, talk to them about what problem or theory they’re working on.
6. Bluntness
Geniuses don’t see much value in couching their words in niceties. It takes time away from whatever problem they’re working on. So, they’ll tell you what’s on their minds without excuses. It can make it difficult for them to make friends, but they don’t mean to hurt your feelings.
7. Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus, a state of extreme concentration on a task to the exclusion of everything else, gives geniuses pleasure. They get enjoyment from getting lost in the task at hand, not caring much about the outcome. The discovery process is everything to a genius, to the point where they often forget to eat or sleep.
8. Extreme perfectionism
A genius will not stop working on a project or theory until it has reached its full potential. They will work on their inventions and theories long after others have given up or said that it was “good enough.” They aren’t necessarily frustrated by this trait—most see their ultra-perfectionism as part of the process.
9. Focus on the nitty-gritty
While leaders have a long-term view of the big picture regarding their countries or companies, geniuses see the macro view of big questions and problems. They can see each step as if it’s laid out in front of them. This helps keep a genius going even when other people think their line of questioning will lead them nowhere.
10. Specialization
Most geniuses find an area of inquiry that fascinates them so much, they decide to specialize in that one field or subject. It consumes their minds to the exclusion of everything else, including their relationships. This is a tendency many people with autism have as well, and though many psychologists have speculated that geniuses like Mozart and Michelangelo were on the spectrum, there is no scientific evidence definitively proving the autism-genius connection.
11. Insatiable curiosity
Not only are geniuses abstract thinkers, but they are drawn to the questions beyond the common ones. In the 1970s, Stephen Hawking famously combined general relativity with quantum theories to figure out that information isn’t completely sucked into black holes as was previously believed, but actually radiates them out at the event horizon. In the 2010s, he continued to question what became known as Hawking Radiation and revised his theory. A true genius never loses the desire to keep asking why and how, even about the same subject matter over decades.
12. Nocturnal tendencies
Though early risers have been lauded as the go-getters and achievers of the world, many geniuses in history have kept odd hours. Those who work best at night also think differently than those who thrive during the day. Genius will often strike at 3 a.m., much to the exasperation of those living with them.
13. Mental adaptability
Geniuses don’t develop new inventions or hypothesize new theories by being rigid in their thinking. They are willing to throw out ideas completely if they find better evidence for a new idea. They are also very creative thinkers who can mold concepts like clay.
14. A love of daydreaming
Geniuses are extremely “heady,” meaning that a large portion of their lived experiences exist in their minds. They spend most of their time thinking and imagining possibilities. Sometimes this headiness comes at the expense of their relationships or careers if those around them can’t see the value in thinking more often than doing.
15. Unerring persistence
As mentioned above, geniuses have a rock-solid sense of self. They don’t easily give up on questions they know need answers. This can lead them to keep hammering away despite losing friends, the trust of colleagues, or funding for their project. Many geniuses have lived in poverty and obscurity until they make a breakthrough that the majority of people can understand the value of.
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