In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Intelligent people seek solitude, especially when they have work and other important things to do. They also seek it when they just want to enjoy time alone with themselves. They're able to survive in this world alone and are perfectly happy because their happiness lies within themselves.
There are several studies that have found a correlation between introversion and intelligence. A study done by “The Gifted Development Study” found that 60% of gifted children showed very introverted characteristics. They also found that very highly gifted children (geniuses) had a correlation of 75%.
Intelligent people tend to appear quiet because they are natural observers. They are listening and watching what's going on around them. They tend to analyze the situation, breaking it down into parts like a social puzzle, and ask themselves questions to figure it out.
Key points. High-IQ people often experience social isolation, which can lead to depression or make them act more introverted than is their nature. The very intelligent know they're intelligent, so they're prone to setting lofty expectations for themselves that they can't meet.
Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
However, our research at Bandelli & Associates has found that introverts often possess greater levels of Relational Intelligence than extroverts do. Relationally intelligent introverts are often highly self-aware, observant, and are excellent listeners.
You're introverted.
There's a lot of evidence out there that shows introverted people are more intelligent on average. For example, a study done by The Gifted Development Center showed that 60 percent of gifted children are introverts. Studies also show that introverts are more verbally intelligent than extroverts.
Faces that are perceived as highly intelligent are rather prolonged with a broader distance between the eyes, a larger nose, a slight upturn to the corners of the mouth, and a sharper, pointing, less rounded chin.
Intelligent people often enjoy spending time alone to pursue their interests, recharge, and reflect. They may not feel the need to socialize as much and may prefer to spend their time in solitude or with a small group of likeminded individuals.
Research shows that the signs of intelligence are usually good memory and thinking ability, good attitude and hard-working nature, general and tacit knowledge, language proficiency and reasoning, decision-making, trust, creativity, achievements, good intuition, and problem-solving.
They also found that highly intelligent people feel they don't benefit as much from friendships, and yet socialize more often than less intelligent people. Highly intelligent people, therefore, use solitude as a way to reset themselves after socializing in highly stressful urban environments.
Introversion isn't totally genetic. It gets influenced by your environment at a young age, and our genes allow a certain amount of flexibility in response. This happens through “set points,” which are the upper and lower limits of how much extroversion your brain can handle.
INTP. INTPs are the winner of the most intelligent personality type. They are highly analytical and logical, and they are always looking for new ways to improve systems and solve problems.
ISFJ. ISFJ's are quiet, conscientious, and kind. They are responsible in nature and are committed to meeting their obligations. They have a tendency to put the needs of others above their own.
1. INTP. The winner of the most introverted personality type goes to INTPs. These analytical thinkers are often deep in thought and prefer to explore complex problems independently.
"Introverts are deep thinkers, meaning they need to focus on what they're doing to produce good results. They like to put their headphones on and get in the zone," explains Shriar. "One big mistake that people make with introverts is that they're shy. It's not that they're shy, it's that they're thinkers.
Throughout history and in business, introverts have been exceptional leaders. For instance, as many know, Bill Gates is an introvert, yet he built Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest people in the world.
Introverts gain energy from quiet reflection and isolation. Both personality types can be equally creative, passionate and articulate leaders. So, don't overlook the quiet ones in the corner. They may harbor just the leadership qualities your company needs to succeed.
While extroverts can often speak first and think later, introverts tend to think through the things they'll say, often ensuring that the right words are spoken. This makes them extremely attractive to other people! After all, who doesn't want to feel like the person they're talking to really gets them?
While there are many signs to indicate someone may be highly intelligent, the most common are a pleasant attitude and hardworking nature, excellent memory and recall capacity, good decision-making and problem-solving skills, high curiosity, good language proficiency, and high emotional intelligence.
People are not always logical, so their behaviors cannot always be predicted. Social anxiety is born out of this concern for unpredictability. Interacting with other people can be more difficult for smart people because these interactions don't follow a specific set of rules; they just happen.