By: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues
Identifying genuine intelligence in a person’s behavior is a task that requires careful observation and a deeper understanding of the nuances that differentiate true intellectual depth from mere superficial demonstrations. Often, intelligence is not found in proclaimed, memorized, learned words or in ostentatious attitudes, but in subtle signs that reveal how a person processes the world around them. Based on observations and studies of the behavior of individuals with high IQs, especially in contexts such as those of high-percentile societies, I present below a detailed analysis of how to recognize truly intelligent people through their behaviors, with an emphasis on observational aspects.
The Eye Gaze: A Window to the Analytical Mind
The gaze of an intelligent person often reveals an active cognitive process. The eyes of someone with high intelligence tend to exhibit subtle and rapid movements, as if they were “scanning” the environment or processing information in real time. These movements are not forced or theatrical; They are natural, almost imperceptible, and reflect a mind that is constantly analyzing, connecting ideas or anticipating scenarios. For example, during a conversation, an intelligent person may alternate between a focused gaze, which demonstrates full attention to the interlocutor, and brief reflective pauses, with the gaze turning to the side or downward, as if accessing a memory or formulating a complex thought. This pattern is difficult to imitate, as it requires a synchrony between attention and introspection that fakers rarely manage to maintain.
The gaze of an intelligent person sometimes reveals an intermittent and subtle movement in the pupil, characterized by rapid and delicate displacements, as if the mind were constantly processing or scanning information. These movements can vary between moments of intense attention, when the pupil tends to dilate slightly when focusing on a stimulus or during a conversation, and moments of reflection, in which the pupil may contract while the person formulates thoughts or accesses memories. This natural dynamic, which is difficult to imitate, reflects cognitive agility and the depth of mental processing.
Insecurity: A Variable, But Not Defining, Trait
Although intelligence is often associated with confidence, highly intelligent people can vary in their self-assurance. Some exhibit a calm self-assurance that comes from a solid understanding of their capabilities, while others may appear hesitant, especially in new environments or under social pressure. This variability is often linked to environmental factors, such as education, life experiences, or even conditions such as subclinical autism, which can influence the expression of confidence. However, what distinguishes genuine intelligence is the ability to “glide” through insecurity: even when uncertain, these individuals tend to approach their doubts with curiosity, treating them as learning opportunities rather than barriers.
Communication: Fluidity, Improvisation, and Honesty
In conversation, intelligence manifests itself in a remarkable ability to improvise and navigate complex ideas with ease. Intelligent people often demonstrate an ability to “glide” between strands of thought, connecting seemingly disparate concepts and returning to the central point with clarity. In a talk or conversation, they can explore relevant tangents but always with purpose, returning to the main topic without losing the thread. In addition, intellectual honesty is a defining trait: when they don’t know something, they are more likely to admit the knowledge gap than to invent an answer. For a highly intelligent mind, the frustration of “getting lost” in a lie is much more uncomfortable than the vulnerability of saying “I don’t know.” This authenticity is a clear sign of genuine intelligence.
Multifaceted and Unexpected Connections
Highly intelligent people tend to be multifaceted, with interests that span different areas of knowledge. They can discuss science, art, philosophy, or technology in a single conversation, often finding unexpected connections between these fields. This ability to “link” seemingly unconnected ideas reflects a mind that operates at a systemic level, seeing patterns where others see only fragments. For example, a TNS member might relate a concept from quantum physics to a discussion of aesthetics in literature, creating a bridge that enriches the conversation. Verbal Richness and Audience Adaptation
Word choice also reveals intelligence. Highly intelligent people often use a rich vocabulary, but one that is tailored to the context and audience. They can simplify complex concepts to make them accessible without losing precision. In some cases, individuals with autistic traits or subclinical autism may have peculiarities in phonetics or verbal fluency, but this does not diminish the depth of their ideas. On the contrary, their contributions often reveal an originality that transcends linguistic limitations. The use of creativity reveals the placement of words and the context.
Behavior in High IQ Societies
Studies of high IQ societies, such as the Triple Nine Society, which requires a 99.9 percentile for admission, point to subtle behavioral differences among their members. Because these societies are more globally inclusive (not restricted to members native to English-speaking countries), they attract individuals with a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Members of these societies often prefer discussions that stimulate mutual curiosity rather than debates about their own intelligence, which is rarely a topic of interest. The exchange of ideas is dynamic, with well-founded arguments and a collaborative approach to exploring complex topics. In addition, TNS, with frequent meetings in Northern Europe, such as egg999, offers a space where these characteristics manifest themselves in a peer-to-peer environment, reinforcing the intellectual identity of its members.
Quantifying Ego: Less is More
A study of behavioral characteristics in high-IQ societies suggests that individuals with higher percentiles tend to exhibit less need for self-affirmation. Unlike fakers, who seek constant validation, truly intelligent people rarely feel the need to proclaim their intelligence. They prefer to demonstrate it through actions: creative solutions, innovative ideas or insightful questions. This “quantified ego” is a distinctive trait: while fakers rely on verbal demonstrations of superiority, truly intelligent people let their contributions speak for themselves.
Individuals with high intelligence often stand out for the consequences of their actions and the originality of their creativity, which can sometimes be mistakenly interpreted as narcissistic behavior. However, this perception does not reflect vanity, but rather the natural result of their innovative contributions. In some cases, driven by insecurities, they may share their achievements as a way to overcome internal doubts and seek self-affirmation, expressing their competence in an authentic way, without egocentric intentions.
Finally
Identifying genuine intelligence requires looking beyond appearances and paying attention to subtle behaviors, such as an analytical eye, fluidity in improvisation, intellectual honesty, and the ability to connect ideas in multifaceted ways. These traits, observed in contexts such as the egg999 gatherings that grew out of the extremely high-IQ Triple Nine Society, reveal not only a brilliant mind, but also an attitude of curiosity and authenticity that is difficult to fake. In a world where intelligence is often mistaken for arrogance or boasting, it is these quiet but powerful qualities that truly define an exceptional mind.
