“Intelligence is not what we know, but what we do when we don’t know”proclaimed the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. A phrase that perfectly sums up a certain vision of intelligence, going beyond the simple accumulation of knowledge. It highlights the ability of some to adapt – with flexibility and discernment – in the face of uncertainty. These same individuals who pronounce these 6 key phrases without realizing it.
Intelligent people are often “the doubters”
In our society, intelligence is often measured by diplomas, academic results or the ability to reproduce knowledge. Except that in reality, intelligence is not always found in what is seen.
“It slips into a turn of phrase, a question formulated out loud, a question that we would not have dared to ask. It can be seen in those who take a step back, who know how to name what others don’t even see.”
confides Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist.
Thus, the most “intelligent” profiles are often those who doubt. Who say “I don’t know”“it depends”Or “I changed my mind”. Who formulate questions rather than giving answers.
And sometimes we hear them say things like:
- “Wait, it’s more complicated than that”;
- “I wonder what that says about me”;
- “I think I need to think about it again”;
- “I’m not sure I’m right”;
- “What you say makes me think of something else…”;
- “What if we saw it differently?”
What do these words say about your intelligence?
These sentences, seemingly innocuous, often reflect the complexity of a mind that refuses the obvious, the boxes, the shortcuts.
“And this can even be annoying. Because they ask when they don’t understand. Because they want to know the meaning of words, gestures, silences. Because they question everything. Not to argue, just to understand.” underlines the practitioner.
So if we often have this impression:
- Not to think “like everyone else” ;
- To seek the meaning behind things;
- To never settle for ready-made answers…
It’s not necessarily that we’re too complicated,”but rather the sign of a form of superior intelligence”concludes Amélie Boukhobza.