Scientists Reveal the One Personality Trait That Sets Geniuses Apart

What makes a genius stand out in a world where smarts are praised more than a new episode of your favorite TV show? Spoiler alert: it’s not just their IQ. While intelligence is sought after in our partners and ourselves—and can be developed over time—scientists have finally lifted the curtain on the one personality trait that truly separates the exceptionally bright from the simply smart. Drumroll, please…

Different Types of Intelligence: You’re Not Limited to One!

• Intelligence is not one-size-fits-all.
• Psychologists, influenced by Howard Gardner’s work back in the 80s, agree: there are multiple intelligences—some say up to nine!

But for today, let’s stick to the kind everyone (from your grandmother to your high school teacher) recognizes: the famous IQ. It boils down to that magic number resulting from an intelligence test, otherwise known as the intelligence quotient. It’s the stuff school report cards and trivia night legends are made of.

Who Are the Geniuses, Anyway?

If the number 130 rings a bell, it’s probably because that’s the IQ threshold above which one is considered “more intelligent than average.” In casual conversation, these folks are usually called ‘gifted’ or those with ‘High Intellectual Potential.’

Among this brilliant group, some similarities crop up. They tend to be extraverted, sociable, and not too shabby at mingling at a party. But researchers—after studying nearly 8,000 participants (no easy feat, imagine sending out those questionnaires!)—figured out that there’s one personality trait that stands out above the rest.

The Defining Trait: Openness to New Experiences

The answer, according to renowned psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Grant Hilary Brenner, is openness to new experiences. Yes, the tendency to try out new things, embark on totally fresh adventures, and dive headfirst into the unknown—this is what truly elevates an individual’s intelligence to new heights.

Let’s break it down. To always push the envelope and jump into uncharted experiences, you need a couple of crucial qualities (lucky for you, not available for purchase on any app store):

• Creativity: The capacity to invent new solutions when life throws you unexpected curveballs. (Lost in a new city? A genius finds their way… usually without Google Maps.)
• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in unfamiliar, sometimes tough situations. Because being clever isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about adapting when you don’t!

Simply put, geniuses are those who welcome novelty, aren’t afraid to leap into the unknown, and have a knack for finding solutions when others might give up at the first hurdle.

So, You’re an Adventurer at Heart?

If you’re someone who can’t resist new adventures (or at least the grocery aisle with the “new” sticker), you’re in good company. Explorers of existence, thrill seekers, and those who find joy in experimenting with the little things in life—don’t listen to the naysayers who call you reckless or quirky. According to science, your boundless curiosity may very well be a sign of an intellect soaring above the clouds. Perhaps it’s just too high for the critics to comprehend!

In conclusion, while intelligence can be polished and improved over time, it’s this openness to new experiences—the willingness to be creative, adapt, and step out of your comfort zone—that sets true geniuses apart. So the next time you try something outlandish and someone calls you crazy, just smile knowingly: you may be just too ahead of your time.