Eight strange traits of people who are smarter than average

2023-08-11 20:25:00, Kuriozitete CNA

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a particularly intelligent person? Perhaps the image of Einstein solving equations, writes Protothema . However, there are many more behaviors and characteristics that have been associated, according to scientific research, with above average intelligence. Some of them we would have a hard time imagining.

1. Mental disorders: Mathematical genius John Nash is among the most prominent examples of famous personalities suffering from mental illness – in this case, schizophrenia. However, many of the greatest minds suffered from mental illness, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Jackson Pollock and Amy Winehouse. As scientists have observed, a specific protein associated with memory and curiosity in laboratory animals increases the risk of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in humans.

2. Anxiety: Another mental disorder, which can be found in people, is related to high intelligence, according to an American study (SUNY Downstate Medical Center). Perhaps because our ability to imagine possible scenarios for different situations, a skill associated with abstract thinking and problem solving, makes us more prone to anxiety.

3. Risk taking: A Finnish study concluded that people who are more open to new challenges and who are not afraid to take risks are smarter. The study was conducted with simulated driving and it was observed that those who made riskier decisions have more white matter in the brain, which is related to mental functions.

4. A propensity for profanity: Using profanity is certainly not an obvious sign of intelligence, but according to a study published in the journal Language Studies, it can be.

5. Laziness: Finally, here's a good excuse you can tell your employer. The Florida Gulf Coast University study concluded that more intelligent people are also more prone to laziness.

6. They are the first born: Various studies have shown that the first children in the family have a higher IQ, perhaps because parents devote more time and attention to them.

7. They love cats: Cat lovers around the world are now vindicated. After following 600 college students, Carroll University researchers found that those who love cats perform better on intelligence tests.

8. They're not religious: A review of 35 scientific studies concluded that the non-religious have, on average, a higher IQ than those who believe./ CNA