According to science, there are 12 indicators that someone is extremely stupid.

An official designation of brilliance is soon to be bestowed upon you in the very near future.

Although they may not be certified, they are certainly more intelligent than the typical bear.

Now, before we begin, let’s get one thing straight: intelligence is a complicated and diverse beast.

It’s like trying to explain why cats knock stuff off tables—you can’t do it right with a single answer.

So, bear in mind that these are simply general observations, and intelligence is much too great to be restricted to a tidy little checklist.

1. Dressing Down Even if You Know Better

You’ve definitely seen that one individual who comes up to a posh event looking like they just got out of bed.

Newsflash: that’s not what brainiacs do.

So, if you’ve ever thought of disregarding the dress code, you may want to consider again.

Smarter individuals know when to wear the tux or the ball gown, even for a casual dinner.

A research in the Scientific American explores how what you wear might effect your thinking and bargaining abilities, and even hormone levels and pulse rate.

2. Poor Posture

Slouching like a wet potato isn’t going to make you the star of the party.

It’s like giving out a signal that says, “I’m too cool for manners.”

Smart cookies stand tall and convey confidence.

You’ll practically exude intellect with your immaculate stance.

An article in New Scientist questions prevalent ideas about posture and says that slouching may not be causing your back discomfort.

3. Nodding Your Head

Sure, you’re an exceptional nodder, but have you ever paused to consider whether you’re nodding off?

Nodding along without truly listening is like pretending to be in a Shakespeare play – it can seem fine, but it’s absolutely worthless.

Smart persons actively participate in talks, even if it means foregoing the nodding exercise.

Research published in ScienceDaily reveals that nodding or shaking your head may alter your own thinking.

4. Jumping to Conclusions

If you’ve ever met someone who’s confident they know everything, you’ve probably also met someone who’s not winning any IQ prizes.

Intelligence is all about being open to new ideas and learning from your experiences. So, if you’re as obstinate as a mule, it may be time for a mental makeover.

An article in Scientific American describes how individuals who tend to leap to conclusions typically make a gamble in which they have low odds of winning instead of one where their chances are substantially greater.

5. Smoking

Alright, don’t kill the messenger, but some persons consider smoking as an indication of inferior IQ. It’s like lighting your money on fire and declaring, “I’ve got money to burn!”

If you’re puffing away, maybe consider investing in a more brain-friendly activity.

A Reuters story covers a research that revealed an association between the quantity of cigarettes smoked and IQ scores.

6. Being Out of Touch with Reality

If you’re not quite sure whether the Earth is round or flat, we’ve got a problem. Being in touch with reality is sort of a huge thing. It’s like the cornerstone of intellect.

If you’re not there yet, don’t worry; you’ll catch up.

An article in Psychology Today examines how perception may become a person’s reality owing to its profound impact on how we look at reality.

7. Poor Interpersonal Skills

If your social skills are as rusty as a tin can left in the weather, it’s time to grease them up. Smart persons are compassionate, communicate effectively, and have that win-win mindset.

So, if you’re still perfecting the exquisite art of small conversation, hang in there. You’ll get there.

A research published in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education explores the influence of artificial intelligence on learner–instructor interaction in online learning, which might be connected to interpersonal skills.

8. Being Overconfident

Remember that phrase from Bertrand Russell? “The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world, the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.”

So, if you believe you know it all, chances are you’re not in the genius club.

Embrace the doubt, my buddy.

Research published in ScienceDaily reveals that a person’s inclination to be overconfident rises if he or she feels intellect is set and immutable.

9. Lack of Curiosity

Smart individuals are like sponges, sucking up information from every corner of the world. They read, they study, and they can speak about everything under the sun.

So, if your interests are as restricted as a single blade of grass, maybe it’s time to extend your horizons.

An post on Experience Life highlights research suggesting that curiosity positively correlates with IQ.

10. Dependency on the Internet for Intelligence

We live in the digital era, when the internet is a cornucopia of knowledge.

But if you can’t think deeper than a puddle and depend only on Google for your brainpower, well, it may be time to disconnect periodically.

The genuine nuggets of knowledge frequently emerge from inside.

An article on the World Economic Forum website addresses how the capacity to instantly google the solution to just about any query impacts how individuals evaluate their own intellect.

11. Poor Sleeping Habits

Are you a night owl who feels that early birds are merely boring? Well, study says that night owls could be an indication of superior intellect.

So, if you’re burning the midnight oil, congratulate yourself on the back.

You’re in fine intellectual company.

A research released by Psychology Today indicated that night owls often have a higher IQ than those who like to wake up early and go to bed at a normal hour.

And if you’re an early bird that’s OK too!

12. Lack of Musical Ability

Even if you can’t identify a flute from a kazoo, don’t worry.

Musicians certainly have particular minds, but you don’t need to be a maestro to be brilliant.

Just take up a tambourine, and who knows, you could access a new level of brainpower.

Even simply beginning to study a musical instrument may modify the neurophysiology of the brain 1.

So, there you have it, 12 evidence that you’re so bright or so “unintelligent” it’s almost terrifying.

If you’ve made it this far, congrats!

You’re officially a tiny bit wiser than you were a few minutes ago.

Keep pursuing information, keep interested, and simply nod your head… when it’s appropriate, of course.