When you consider the subject, you realize that there are different types of intelligence.
That simply means that there are different types of smart, and it can be a bit difficult just to say that someone’s smart or not without considering different factors. Some kids are good at math, and some are good at reading; others are good at movement, yes, movement.
But, since you’re asking, we can make it fun while exploring it!
#1 FUN FACT: Everyone’s smart
No, no, no, don’t roll your eyes at that. It’s a fact, and here’s a straightforward way to understand what I mean. Being smart is often described as intelligent, except for the British, who think of it as being well-dressed, which is also probably a kind of intelligence.
Anyway…
We can say that being smart is learning and using knowledge and skills in your environment by combining the meanings of the two words. So, a smart person will have to be literally anyone that has done any task as a child, teenager, or adult.
#1 MYTH: Only geniuses are smart
Sure, there are levels to intelligence, but only because there are different types of intelligence, and some people excel better in certain areas than in other areas.
Robert Stenberg, an important educational researcher, categorized intelligence as practical intelligence, analytical intelligence, and creative intelligence.
Now that I think of it, maybe being well-dressed falls under practical intelligence. Would you agree?
IQ is one of those popular tests of intelligence (and, by extension, a test of how smart you are), and it is often linked with genius. The higher an IQ score, the more genius you’re likely to be.
However, this kind of thinking has some errors in it, and Stenberg also points out, in this journal, that intelligence isn’t only about IQ. Although IQ is an invaluable scientific factor, intelligence is multi-dimensional.
Since that journal was published in 1996, there have been more exciting findings such as emotional intelligence, which shows us that even a proper listening ability makes you an intelligent person.
#2 MYTH: Being Smart is Inherited
Maybe this myth is popular because it is so believable. I mean, look at that child, teenager, adult, and if they’re not smart enough, it’s probably bad genes, right?
Something about myths, though; they tend to be simplistic and lack evidence.
That’s why this second fun fact makes more sense and has evidence.
#2 FUN FACT: Being Smart depends on genes and the environment
It’s a classic nature & nurture interaction that makes us who we are. People who share the same genes will likely show similarities in their levels of intelligence. Although there may be slight differences in the categories of intelligence (i.e., practical, creative, or analytical) that each person is inclined to, the levels are pretty consistent.
However, some studies also show that there may be some limiting or enhancing factors that an environment can have on every person, shared genes or not. That’s how the environment plays a role. The chances are that when one person grows up in an environment in the middle of a war or some other extreme environmental conditions; their intelligence may be slightly different than a relative who is in a stable environment.
More factors such as family relationships, exposure to proper educational resources, and emotional and social interactions with the environment also play a role, but you get my point by now.
Phew! All of that explanation got pretty intense, don’t you think?
Let’s Wrap This Up…
The first fun fact answered your question about how you can figure out who a smart person is, but maybe not in the way you hoped.
That is simply because the answer is not that direct. Everyone is smart. Genes and the environment play significant roles in the development of any of those three forms of intelligence that I listed.
So, when you think about that question in the future…
Maybe look in the mirror or just look at everyone around you.
That should give you an interesting perspective. 🙂
I hope this helps!