15 Reasons Why Highly Intelligent People Prefer to Be Alone

Did you know that many highly intelligent people prefer to be alone? Maybe you’re smart - or even a genius - and understand this feeling all too well. The truth is: many smart people would rather be alone.
Sources:
Why the Most Intelligent People Love Spending Time Alone
www.inc.com/jeff-haden/why-mo...
Research Study Explains Why Highly Intelligent People Prefer to Be Alone
ideapod.com/science-explains-...
Reasons Why Highly Intelligent People Need So Much Alone Time
www.powerofpositivity.com/int...
Chief Editor: Tristan Reed
Voice Over: Christian H. Miles
Music credits: Original song produced exclusively for TopThink by Joseph McDade

[@Nedmar]

It is not only highly intelligent people that prefer to be alone, some of us average folks also like solitude and quietness, so that one does not get exposed to all that ubiquitous dumbness of which the whole world teems nowadays.

[@nordicgardener]

Another characteristic of highly intelligent people is that they never see themselves as particularly intelligent, but as average at best. Those who claim to be more intelligent than others are often clearly below average on the intelligence scale.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

I suspect, based on how you worded your comment, you’re more intelligent than you give yourself credit for.

[@Nedmar]

@@c1ph3rpunk Maybe... but if so, then perhaps I would have fared way better in life than I did till now. There may not be any correlation between fate and intelligence, though... I don't know.

[@Nedmar]

@@nordicgardener Yeah, I now, but I think that this assumption is somewhat overrated. Well, who knows, really...

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

I agree with you.

[@Lizzy00088]

Solitude is just more comfortable; less conflict and more peace is found "far from the madding crowd".

[@virtualtoursinnature3091]

Agree

[@dominicfong6341]

That's why I have always said, "teamwork is only for those who can't work alone."

[@ericaholloway1751]

Eh, it really depends on your job whether this statement is true or false

[@Elizabeth-yg2mg]

That's a good one!

[@ilon7799]

Well, If you want to go on Mars, for example, you need to work with a team.

[@charlessmith3492]

"Team work makes the dream work" unless the "dream" is something you can do all by yourself without any outside support like running water, electricity, food, supplies, an education, freedom, funds, logistics etc etc.

[@holger_p]

Partially yes, but genious people working together will produce things, no human beeing is able to do alone.

[@sbrose3776]

Being with people can be exhausting.

[@shadrach6299]

For an introvert, groups of people are exhausting.

[@sharinaross1865]

Uber exhausting.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

This is good. I walked away from an entire friendship group because all they wanted to do is put down the people that weren’t there and fight about absolutely ridiculous things.

[@ritaroad]

You did the right thing. All relationships should take you to a better place or they’re not worth having.

[@markbehn8231]

same...

[@monejohn9973]

Same 😅 I'm a huge tomboy so growing up with all brothers. I never knew how ruthless jealous & competitive women really are and the sad part is, it's a secret competition😅 even sadder that I win without trying.😅

[@TexasScratchMan]

ive the done the same, and have dropped long time friends because they only ever want to talk about themselves

[@Whocares77778]

It’s funny to tease others if you’re not hateful or just picking at someone’s every move so that you make them feel bad about themselves …hateful miserable clueless people are toxic and it spreads…it’s also hard to listen to someone who talks and talks but doesn’t listen…they want to be heard and they want you to think they are funny and appreciate what them but they don’t care at all about anyone they see other people as what they can use or get from that person…money attention praise sex ..those kind of people sound like Charlie browns teacher wha wha wha

[@beautyinallheiseverlasting1597]

Hahaha got 14, love being alone, walking alone, reading 6 hours, writing alone, excercising alone; I talk to myself all the time , singing, dancing alone, it's so much fun deeply beautiful!

[@Bluesclues-here]

Same here! 😊

[@Autumn-mu2tk]

then what is the one you missed from these 15 reasons ?

[@kikitaube-hansen]

Be with you

[@aaronarmijo3626]

Pee Wee Herman would have said, "If you love yourself so much, why don't you marry yourself? Pee Wee Herman was smarter than the entire video.

[@MsTriangle]

it doesn't meaan your're intelligent

[@LoveHandle4890]

“Be alone, that’s how ideas are born.” -Nicola Tesla.

[@LoveHandle4890]

@Instamilionary ss The wonderful state of Florida.

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

😉☺

[@superflyp0]

🎉HELL YEAH 🎉🎉

[@michelespier5879]

Indeed.

[@user-lp9ou1hf4e]

people stole my idea's and stole the credit.

[@TLW369]

It’s simple: We prefer to be alone because we don’t have time for the stupid “💩”.

[@nishanthakumara3885]

Yes❤

[@Orestes416]

👍👍👍

[@MadonnaGrogan]

Yup😊

[@walterwong1847]

We all need to compartmentalize our many aspects of our lives. At time we ought to be alone and at other time, we want to be in the mass. No one can claim to be alone all the time, if so, the would have moved out of city and live alone at far away places from people. We can't live alone. To think that we are more special and overall more intelligent is just pride and resentment talking. That make us the dumbest ass.

[@whyyyyyy101]

bruh

[@einahsirro1488]

I would add that if they are anything like me, highly intelligent people don't actually feel alone when they are alone. I feel alone when other people are around. When I'm by myself, I feel like there are three of me sort of overlapping, and we quietly do everything together, and have conversations. It's not split personality or anything, it's like.... I'm a set of triplets that get along really well.

[@jimkoll52]

I know exactly what you're saying.

[@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS]

While I have felt alone around others, mostly I feel bored. I’m rarely bored when on my own.

[@shelleyscloud3651]

What about boredom? I’ve never for a moment been bored when I’m on my own or doing my own thing. The idea baffles me - THERES SO MANY INTERESTING THINGS TO LEARN AND THINK ABOUT!! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@shelleyscloud3651]

@@IExpectedBSJustNotThisMuchBS just posted similar below before seeing your comme 😁

[@jhb61249]

For me we are the twins of mirror images!

[@charlynegezze8536]

Many people confuse solitude with loneliness. That's how bad friendships and marriages are formed. People just don't want to be lonely.

[@michelespier5879]

True.

[@user-lp9ou1hf4e]

Where are really good people? met copy cats all my life. Need something original..

[@brennadickinson2920]

I've been lonely since my soulmate of over 30 years died in March of 23. We were interested in the same things and loved to discuss philosophy, psychology. spirituality and quantum. Now I am alone, except for God.

[@elisabethdevyt8256]

Oh yes some want to be alone. It has nothing to do with pretention. And all my family died. I know that nurses will pet me. Sorry, take care of me. They have a heavy job.

[@JAM661]

That is true. I love living on my own. I will probably kill myself if I every had to go to a tradional nursing home. The last think I want is someone telling me what to do after I have made my own choice for 45 years. But even though I am single I rarely feel that lonely. I some how find plenty of things to do during my day.

[@finderskeepers7293]

I don't consider myself to be a "highly" intelligent person but I do agree with a lot of points mentioned in this video, like, pointless conflict, having to needlessly explain myself to others, the irrelevance of fighting for social positions and most of all, spending time alone, away from the clatter.

[@SuperPassionflower]

I can fully relate to that!!

[@runninggirl2765]

I am the same as above. I am not considered highly intelligent, but every "reason" very strongly aligns with my personality. So, I don't know if it is because people are intelligent (I have been tested only above average-but very high in the language area). Any comments? I am quite amazed that ALL strongly fit for me. And, I am quite tired of trying to explain why I don't like parties, get togethers, and other social gatherings....I get exhausted and bored. (This has gotten worse since my TBI and I don't know if or not it is related).

[@finderskeepers7293]

@@madcyril4135 Thank you for this beautiful message.

[@finderskeepers7293]

@@runninggirl2765 Everyone excels in something while being average at other things. If we are able to figure that out and work towards it, we are categorised as "intelligent" or "successful" or "accomplished" by the world. I believe everyone has the potential to be great at something. Even those great personalities, who are written about in books and papers don't excel at everything. 😊

[@saffronskies333]

Intelligent you are...modest, too.

[@iboremytherapist]

I don’t think I’m highly intelligent. I just don’t want to feign interest in everyone

[@viviansouza7188]

Thissss!!!

[@jungersrules]

“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt is why people just don’t do anything for me. I don’t think I’m very intelligent, but I do want to be friends with someone who isn’t obsessed with other people.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

Isn’t that incredible? I have heard it before but it nails it

[@IMMSaulawa]

😂

[@gloriavis]

I tried the people thing it was a disaster now im back home and alone

[@rosidahariff2365]

Now I have only 2 groups of friends of only 2 & 3 person whom I meet once a year.

[@missgangsmashers737]

After discovering that 2 of my long-term relationships with friends were fake; I’ve decided to build relationships with my Family!

[@arsalanalikhan7264]

Hell is other people. - Jean Paul Satre

[@pch2230]

To be fair, all his friends were French.

[@steevobarker581]

Personally speaking my patience for stupidity is wafer thin. And there are a heck of a lot of stupid people around these days. Therefore, my own company is what I prefer.

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

When I first heard the phrase "Dumbing Down" I was startled, like a secret of mine had been exposed. It was not necessarily those two words so much as the system at play. I always grew with an eye and an ear focused on the New York Intellectuals. "I want to be a part of it....New York, New York." All of it. But considering the distance between me and other kids, having some smart people around could be amusing. Imagine my shock moving here: I assumed I had ended any connection with "rednecks," only to find borroughs of them, colonized. I laughed out loud when Saul Bellow was asked why he left New York for Chicago: "There was no one to talk to." Imagine having a genius confirm your observation. Like those broke kids with worthless diplomas, I felt I had been duped by my own naive assumptions. 50 years of stupid people later and I can't ignore the numbers of these broke kids who were duped by their own naivete. Anyone who borrows $60,000 and doesn't understand that they will have to pay it back, plus even more, is not in line for induction into Mensa. These poor fools can't even tell you who was the 16th President. They aren't certain about the names of all the Beatles. They are brilliant with technology, yet can't turn on the office copier. In their minds they have all the answers, and they intend to dig us Generation Idiot out of our whole hole. Dumb people don't know how dumb they really are. I giggled too much when told what we should do to protect ourselves against Covid 19 infection. Stay away from people. Oh no, Mr Bill. Actually I said to me, "No prob." I had tried most of my life to get away from people, and now it is a government command. No prob. I still giggle when those folks moan about how Covid has ruined their lives. Two years and buckling, fighting crippling depression? I was around when the entire contingent of my like-minded peers was decimated. No cure 40+ years on and counting. Covid Who? So "dumbing down" trickled down, and with the MAGA-bons coming "down" from the trees, we are forced to confront the numbers of truly dumbed-down Asses in America.

[@lynnokrzynski8720]

Im not antisocial I'm antistupid. Yes I have this t shirt. As I get older my tolerance for the sheep like mentality of the majority of the population grows thinner, in fact I'm pretty sure it's completely gone now (I'm 53). I certainly didn't start out with a lot of tolerance to begin with. Surprisingly when I worked w the mentally handicapped I had tolerance in abundance that never wore away. Of course I have tolerance for children as well. It's just the fully functioning adults in our society that should know more that I don't have tolerance for. It's nothing I worked on it's more like my brain knows and acts appropriately.😮😅

[@steevobarker581]

@@lynnokrzynski8720 oh you see it everywhere you look. Here in the UK we have a "cost of living crisis" , petrol is about £1.60 a litre with what is going on in middle East it's bound to rise. So I see a supercharged V8 Mercedes (old one knackered looking) literally red line along a duel carriage way. You could feel the petrol gauge going down. Why do that? Vaping? It's a life times addiction to nicotine. Sure as God made little green apples, the cost of these wretched things will go up (supply and demand) so what are kids doing? Taking up vaping! Tattoos. What is that "sleeve" on a lady going to look like when you are (my age) well into your 50s? Looks bloody horrid now, but then? Think! Kids and energy drinks. Have they just run a marathon? Played a rugby match? Why no. They sit in front of a PS5 guzzling this rubbish. Paying upwards of £60/month for a phone in a ..... cost of living crisis. Expensive coffees? Why? If you like coffee, get a Thermos flask! Maybe it's me getting old....but I see the above examples and so many more, and I have totally lost patience with it all. Stupid is, as stupid does!

[@JackMason-oq8lf]

@@lynnokrzynski8720 Anti-stupid. That's a good one. Why didn't I think of that, LOL? It's was a big deal when I !over here decades ago. Somewhere in there, someone came up with Dumbing Down, which clicked with me. Over the years, as the math and science scores trickled down, I couldn't help but notice cashiers had trouble making change, one place had pictures on its registers, if you ordered large fries and a milkshake, the clerk. Pushed those pictures and you got a total and the cashier got amount of change directions. Still had problems with the correct amount of coins due. $20 bills became problems if you only spent $14.95. Now those are the high school jobs. The "fully functioning" had problems of their own. One very well-polished lady at work told me she was so glad she read the book before she saw "Cats." I messed in my pants, biting my tongue. I was working through the entire output of Saul Bellow at the time (self-prescribed homework). Not Mensa, but more challenging than children's books by TS Eliot. Mother's were reading YA stuff to themselves. Presidents had night table stacks, like Rituals of Ancient Mozambique. Mexican kids scored higher in Math and Science than USA kids. Skip to today, I'm having a meltdown that seems incurable. When Covid-19 advisors said stay home, away from people, I had no problems with that. I'm sorry for me that that mandate ended. As the world noticed how very stupid Americans actually were, they had many laughs. Imperialism now presented problems of resistance to China. I'm the same age as Old People, and I understand relief may come my way any day now. Millennials and Zoomers have no resistance to that, since as they've told us boom-people forced Pandora's hand. I'm agreeing with your antsy-ness about the pandemic we are enduring with the anti-stoopid movement which is triumphing in the States, what scientists are calling incurable Dumbing Down. God, or something, deliver me.

[@Cocoisagordonsetter]

LOL Not wrong.

[@ZulcanPrime]

I am not a highly intelligent person because I would fail the Mensa test. Yet, I am an introvert and I enjoy being alone and reading good books. I do have a bad habit of analyzing the behaviour of toxic people and studying psychology. I also need to be intellectually stimulated with my personal interests and hobbies because I am a retired blue-collar worker. I am happy with myself and I am resilient and resourceful.

[@grandrapids57]

Well, here's an insider trick about the Mensa tests: you can practice those styles of puzzles and raise your own score on their system. I have no doubt many do this because the last couple of people I met in that organization ... I'll be silent.

[@W81Researcher]

I hear of so many people calling themselves mensa members yet they would not think quick on something. You wouldn't see them.on Jeopardy.

[@grandrapids57]

@@W81Researcher I have no idea how many people are in Mensa but one thing: they are like vegans, they can't help but tell you about it.

[@MrSonicAlchemy]

I consider myself highly intelligent and all of this feels spot on to me. I do enjoy the company of others but only a select few and for limited periods of time. I must admit, this video helped clarify and validate my general life experience.

[@ShawnRitch]

My IQ is only ~120 but I feel this video was right on the money for me as well. Especially about having to explain things and how I dislike how others make decisions and how they implement those decisions. Most of the time though - I find other people exhausting lol

[@valentina6429]

Me too- VERY limited…!

[@desireelococo1747]

Me too!!

[@JK-vc7ie]

You are not highly intelligent. You're the same as the rest of us, sport. That's your problem.

[@pawkie2]

The most interesting point for me was that intelligent people dont waste time but want to gain from interactions. This answered a dicotomy I had which is that I like going to bars to meet people (extravert) but rarely find it satisfying (intellectual stimulus missing). Maybe I am bright!

[@edglebennett6312]

God knows I'm not highly intelligent. But I love being by myself. And I crave it.

[@user-lp9ou1hf4e]

people aren't any good for the most part. This is why people choose to be alone. What makes people intelligent? Isn't it something that were born with? Genetics.

[@AnomalyBelleza]

😅 love the honesty lol

[@edglebennett6312]

@@AnomalyBelleza There's nothing wrong with the truth. It's true. I'm not highly intelligent. I'm glad you laugh. We need more laughter in this ungodly world. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿🫶🏿

[@AnomalyBelleza]

@@edglebennett6312 ♥️♥️♥️ Totally agree! Beautiful comment.

[@uniqueboyz1379]

All of us are intelligent it a trait within all of us you just have to believe you are

[@ives3572]

0:14 the one percent 1:03 erratic routines 1:33 the pickiest friends 2:21 intellectual stimulation 2:56 the odd man out 3:30 extra weight 4:25 frivolous interactions 5:05 patterns of strangeness 6:02 small social circles 6:44 unusual expectations 7:18 everyday misunderstandings 7:59 solitary stimulation 8:42 tedious explanations 9:17 real social value 9:57 pointless conflicts

[@MoPoppins]

Thank you!

[@joeljanssen8631]

Awesome! Thanks ❤

[@swampdogdiggity]

Thank you. You saved me from wasting my time. 👍

[@Ex-Mohammed_Anwar]

Does that involve the people with High functioning autism ?

[@MARIOdeANGOLA]

Many thanks pal. Saving time!

[@birbluv9595]

I am happiest when I’m alone. When i was young i was considered “highly intelligent”, but i figured my brain was deteriorating with age. Watching this video, though, i realize that i still have the characteristics listed.

[@brainpill254]

Being alone..and that's how great ideas are born

[@Jay-hr3rh]

After the Covid-19 pandemic I have very little interest in being social with others besides my fiancée. I got to realize people talk out of emotions and are often misinformed.

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

This video is inspiring to me. I may not be Nikola Tesla or Michelangelo but I value my alone time. Not only that being alone helps me come with ideas, but it also gives me the chance to work properly without being interrupted by others' useless chatter. Thank you for sharing!

[@aishdesai]

😃

[@michelespier5879]

Understandable.

[@prez66465]

I’m definitely all of the above. I love being alone. I don’t need the drama.

[@annah7268]

Same here .

[@punkanelliefonkbush8811]

​@@annah7268MORE of the same here.

[@user-rq2es2io8y]

Or the petty quarreling and aggravation.

[@TrinaGallo]

This made me feel a LOT better about having one friend . I could relate to to EVERYTHING presented & it brought me comfort. Thank you. 💞

[@ggeemmiinnii]

All you need is one good, true friend anyway.

[@tyranelewis7763]

I agree with you and feel the same way

[@UCcdTp7XpCkVLkaRCsDcifFg]

no one want life alone

[@Gadl-pq5ey]

@@UCcdTp7XpCkVLkaRCsDcifFg your response just further attests to the contents of this clip 😊

[@terrysales4367]

I am highly intelligent. I was ok with my life until my husband and child died. That little support system was my rock and can not be replaced. While I fit all of the above scenarios in the video, my life is totally solitary without that small circle of interaction, and I am in pain without that little circle that supported me. I teach, sleep, and get up to teach again. I no longer have the motivation to read or write or enjoy all the solitary things I previously loved. It is so very difficult.

[@grahambuckingham7295]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

[@milocule1]

Actually, I found that Christ Jesus is a very strong rock, I am very much a loner for a lot of the reasons this video pointed out but asking Christ into my life has given me a foundation to stand on. It is my sincerest hope that you find some comfort and I honestly believe you should look to the Lord to help you find your way. I will pray that the Lord give you that comfort he’s given me!

[@kwadwo9681]

I’m so sorry for your loss ❤

[@swisskiwi1478]

Dear Terry, I am sorry that you lost your nuclear family and I do hope that you will feel better soon and find someone with whom you can again share meaningful moments. I’m a recently retired teacher, my husband and then my soul sister passed away. I taught English to adults and it was a source of pleasure, motivation and satisfaction so I hope that your teaching compensates a little. Take care. I wish you well.

[@maurakennedy5952]

Dear lady my heart goes out to you will ask Jesus to take care of you please do not isolate yourself will pray for you all the best

[@themobilegamerslab601]

Being alone makes the person to have ideas, increase productivity sometimes and relaxing. So that’s why some people just don’t feel like hanging around people, not because they don’t have friends but rather prefer to be left along.

[@CynthiaSchoenbauer]

Indeed. Others often can't keep up and pull you down emotionally or hold you back progressively.

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

I agree.

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

*left alone

[@kepler62e]

I’ve never really had longer friend relationships, they only lasted for maybe a couple months, I like to be alone or with 1 person that understands my thoughts and observations, I like to live in my own world but it gets embarrassing when I’m alone and other ppl with their friends stare at me, but I rather have no friends than be friends with average people. It is one thing I’ve learnt from life.

[@nishanthakumara3885]

Really? 😂

[@jefferoni1984]

As a kid I always practiced self-talk when I was doing my homework or working something out and people would often tease me. As I grew older and more confident I realized it was a really helpful tool and I still do it. Even if you’re just mouthing the words it helps you think through a problem and to organize your thoughts. I remember feeling so relieved when I learned that the most intelligent people also do it. 🧠

[@Retr0racin]

I have self talked all my life going on 62 now pretty isolated person. most the time it`s just "You idiot!" lol

[@cleot151]

I am a teacher and a musician and I have talked to myself all my life. I think it is part of auditory learning style.

[@punkanelliefonkbush8811]

​​@@cleot151Well I talk to myself even when I'm sleeping. In fact, I talk to myself all day long.

[@maryyoung4046]

Same here. Actually I do it more now than when I was a kid. It bothers me that mainstream society or people in general consider people who talk to themselves as mentally unbalanced or mentally ill, that sort of thing. I have a habit of talking to myself when out for a walk to the grocery store or somewhere else, then I feel the need to clam up if I happen to notice people nearby.

[@Warcraze13]

I lack self-esteem. This video has completely changed my perception of myself. The fact that I cannot relate to most people is not my fault. They just dont stimulate me. I never would have imagined myself as being highly intelligent but GD this video has me thinking otherwise.

[@waw-ip6wl]

poor description~

[@waw-ip6wl]

English learner?

[@Warcraze13]

@@waw-ip6wl I am not sure what you are trying to say my friend.

[@Warcraze13]

@@waw-ip6wl Poor description of what?

[@regnorse]

whether you are or not don't let evolution play tricks on your mind

[@mnmaddict37532]

I love being alone. I like to reflect and dream.

[@y5mgisi]

I don't know if I'm highly intelligent, but this video definitely describes me.

[@scottygg8550]

its the barnum effect, the video is interesting, but most of these points can be broadly applied to almost anyone. still, I'm sure you're pretty smart

[@DavidMichaelCommer]

I don't know whether it's due to high intelligence or not, but this video "makes me feel seen." Every single point made describes one of my attributes, and living with these attributes among mostly typical people makes me feel like an alien more often than not. After 15 years of mostly being left alone to do my job, I have a new boss-a wonderfully kind and objectively brilliant person-who has a very strong preference to collaborate intensively on all matters, whether by way of inviting eight people to co-edit a one-page informational document over a six-week period (!!!) or meetings, meetings, meetings about all things, this is one of the greatest challenges of my career. Almost none of my work is intellectually challenging in the least, but not being able to do my work because everyone participates in everyone's work, delaying anything getting done by days or weeks or longer, has taken a toll. Sometimes I enjoy my work, when I am able to sit and think and find creative ways to do the same rote things, but meetings, meetings, meetings with endless brainstorming and jargon about "iterating" and "circling back" can be psychically agonizing.

[@karlsokalski4234]

Your description of the new boss' drive for teamwork made me so glad I'm retired! I worked as an engineer for nearly all of my career and I totally sympathize with your hatred of meetings. The vast majority of them are an utter the waste of time. The worst of all the meetings were the status meetings which always cropped up when a deadline was looming. Rather than letting people get their work done, we'd waste the first hour or even more of every day in a status meeting while the boss asked each in turn where they were with their work and why things were not getting done fast enough. It took everything I had to not say, "We'd get a lot more done faster if we could be working now instead of listening to each one of us tell you what we think you want to hear. Do you not see how utterly wasteful this is? Please, just let us work and visit each of us in turn." UGH!

[@RockandRollWoman]

Yes.

[@prototropo]

Totally understand, David. Sounds like others do, too. I really encourage you to find a more meaningful job, if that is possible. Meaningful, purposeful work has been the most intellectually potent factor in my whole life, and I was lucky to land it. I also told my boss that I am happy to work collectively when it makes sense--early on or near the end of a project?--but that I am more productive on my own, so I preferred to do that. She begrudgingly agreed once she realized she just liked the company, and the work would get done either way.

[@W81Researcher]

So now the term is highly intelligent and no longer intelligent or smart. We are already seeing jobs and professors not care about a 3.8 over a 3.5.

[@johnsherman6718]

You're not alone in your sentiments. I hate meetings and collaborative projects! People can sure make a mess out of a block of wood! Thanks for your comment! It is refreshing to read!

[@ZiggyLu-og3zp]

It’s because we can’t find people to engage in deeply interesting conversations. Not to mention, most people are petty and they are fixed on petty disputes which is a waste of time and energy. That’s why I prefer to be alone for those two reasons.

[@pennydreadful5217]

Good comment, me too

[@jontalbot1]

I would say what is even less common is the ability to engage in light but engaging chat. I can finish most peoples sentences for them

[@KohalaLover]

Love my solitude. Crave it. Most people drain me, they never shut up, and only want to talk surface subjects. No depth. I prefer to spend my time with animals, the four legged kind.

[@TheFiown]

I have lived alone for 17 years now, never feel lonely, feel lonely with people many times. You got me 15/15 !! If I am not satisfied with something I do it doesn't matter if someone else is and if I am then I don't need someone else to agree. I have some close friends, the sort whose call I would take at 3 am asking me to bury a body. My friends are all very diverse and I doubt that they would all like each other, I have no bounderies or judgement and am not a snob except for intelligence and honesty. I am too picky, can spot a fake a mile away, have no time for people who complain and look for someone to blame for their sad lives. I live with collections of pictures and tons of books and am constantly creating something or reading rather than hosuekeeping or cooking, something I don't enjoy ! Well well well

[@nigelmiller951]

It's been proven that highly intelligent people are penalised in life. The world is largely occupied with group thinkers that remain within the parameters of societal expectations. I myself am a truth teller and I am very perceptive and intuitive. I can see through peoples lies in the workplace and in friendships. This doesn't do me any favours though as it isolates me, and I find people irritating and vacuous and what most people aspire to is pointless. So, I feel that I am penalized by my own independent thought. I don't last in jobs, friendships dissipate. I don't consider myself arrogant or condescending it's just that people get a vibe from me that somehow threatens them. So therefore, I am alone most of the time. Sometimes it is hard to accept loneliness, but I prefer being alone than irritated. I find in most conversations in the west that people are so preoccupied in conversation in 1 upping themselves due to our privileged life, i.e. ability to travel, dine in fancy restaurants,clothes,education so the whole basis for conversation tends to be competitive. Which I find boring. I would like to have a couple more friends, I don't need many. But finding people that have a) free time b) common interests c) can sit in a comfortable silence instead of constantly talking about anything and everything just to fill in "gaps", Is almost impossible, I guess I should pursue more interests to find likeminded people. But then the interest becomes dominant, and the connection is with that and not the people there. I loathe birthdays and Christmas and all the expectations around these events. And as you get older life spirals into a vortex where it seems that its either pre-Christmas ,Christmas or post-Christmas which for some reason seems to take up close to 6 months of the year!...Horrible! I think if you can find happiness alone or with a pet, is a great thing! Embrace it!

[@jasminealixandranorth]

💯

[@michelespier5879]

Yes, indeed.

[@jodisimeral4531]

I am exactly the same way!

[@kathtownsend3099]

Great Insight and self awareness shown here Exactly how I am so thank you for putting it into context for me

[@ankhpom9296]

I’ve been referred to as a lone wolf. I do have a few friends who I don’t companion with often. I prefer to be alone at times because I prefer not to be “burdened” for social reasons. Having pets though have been good. I can talk to them w/o being talked back to. :-)

[@johnwilson5980]

I don't mind people of average and low intelligence as much I am intollerent towards people who are unwilling to use the intelligence they do posses. Social interaction is not about running off at the mouth, but a process of give and take. Good conversation takes mental effort. Conversation should be an act of giving, not taking. Conversing with someone who just takes, becomes very tiresome.

[@regnorse]

how do you feel about people who can spell?

[@danjones1365]

⁠@@regnorseI am intolerant as well of these individuals who lack the awareness that they don’t possess a strong grasp of the written word

[@michelespier5879]

On point.

[@thordisfynehair9442]

I enjoy socializing, but low tolerance for idle nonsense or drama. I also enjoy being alone, to be myself, doing what I enjoy without interruption or interference.

[@rauldiaz2518]

A man was walking while taking to himself. Why do you talk to yourself? Someone asked him. I like to talk to smart people, he replied.

[@CynthiaSchoenbauer]

Good response. When you are intelligent, there is actually a lot to process with yourself and discover about yourself and you need to be alone to do that!

[@bonganibam4402]

😂

[@iyasugames]

I think it comes down to the point that most people are going to want something from the intelligent person, while the intelligent person doesn't really get anything in return. Social interactions become a net negative for the intelligent person, so gotta live based on that. I bet it's like that for a lot of outlier people, not necessarily just the highly intelligent.

[@elinstar6034]

I feel this one! 😂

[@freedone.]

@@elinstar6034 Me too. You leave the social interaction deflated instead of uplifted. Relationships become babysitting other people.

[@RockandRollWoman]

​@freedone. I am constantly stifling "I already knew that" type thoughts in order to avoid being seen as an arrogant a**hole. It's not very interesting to listen to ideas you've already thought about, often at a more simplistic level.

[@freedone.]

@@RockandRollWoman You lose people if you try to get into a deep conversation or express yourself fully. Most don't have the bandwidth to think clearly, communicate clearly or listen. Nothing makes me happier than to learn something new from another person but most people have nothing new to share. It's also intimidating if they sense your intelligence because they can't sustain a good conversation. The list goes on and on and on.... I'd rather talk to myself 🤣

[@MK-cc5ve]

Thank you for explaining the net negative results from many, almost all, daily interactions. It feels sooo good to have that validated. It’s usually criticized, as if I’m a meany for not helping people with their shortcomings. And yes those little vampires do seem to think they are entitled to my time and explanations. Thank you!

[@sri5876]

By being alone , great ideas will born in the mind . Being alone is search for your inner self .

[@davidcox8838]

Most people you meet will stab you in the back, hurt you for no reason and have no concept of what is really going on, so why waste your time? I have four people I care about, I know are loyal and are worth my time, affection and effort. I haven't got space in my life, for any more.

[@ankhpom9296]

Quality relationships are much more important than a slough of many shallow ones.

[@maryyoung4046]

@@ankhpom9296 agree wholeheartedly

[@telecasterbear]

I have always liked alone time. The idea of what was 'lockdown' a couple of years ago was not scary at all. Just relax and stop running around on endless chores.

[@tomfields3682]

I am ALWAYS the smartest guy in the room--when no one else is in it.

[@MadonnaGrogan]

We're it not for worry of virus, it was like a holiday

[@muhammedenescelik9968]

Thanks a lot, now l understand why some people talk to themselves and want to stay alone and work alone. I know a Highly Intelligence person close to me ;)

[@teddyraffudeen7056]

Ignorant people drag you down if you allow them to.

[@souldeep808]

All of this applies to ME, but I know I'm far from the 1%. I have slightly higher than average I.Q. but I don't consider myself "Highly Intelligent". I totally relate to almost every aspect of this video. It really helped me understand my personality.

[@maryyoung4046]

Same here.

[@drkarenswrld]

This is so comforting. Idk about “intelligence” but I’m certainly a neurodivergent thinker. Not only are my daily routines/thoughts/social needs off, so is my lifetime trajectory. I did great things when I was young but didn’t do some things people my age take for granted. So I end up doing my rare socializing with younger or older people. It is so rare to be in sync with anyone or anything. At least now I have some ways to know why

[@Cocoisagordonsetter]

School is probably the true unnatural setting where we end up being very much with our same age group. I made a buddy on an international flight the other day who had just retired. I'm technically retired from work for years as I'm a stay at home mom. We were just two females who started chatting, but different generations.

[@StellarSeekerMohan]

At first I thought I was suffering from social anxiety but now I came to know that It's one of the characteristic feature of a highly intelligent people now my inner self satisfied by this video

[@Mokes888]

Unfortunately, society rewards, promotes (and pays more) “people persons”, morning persons and brushes off the strengths of a night-owl & inteligente introvert 🙄😝🤭

[@mangot589]

So inteligente of you waiting for the call out🙄

[@pleasetakemecanada]

This is why I like that my job usually ends at 9pm...and I can stay up late, in my room and read..everything..then I can get up later than those who start early..

[@firewall68]

and that's the problem with society. Highly intelligent people find their rewards on things that really matter, not on the banal matters of society.

[@lindagarland5223]

This video validated so much about who I am and how I live my life. It was comforting. Thank you.

[@marvelmusic4566]

It's exhausting dealing with dumb people. If you explain things to them, you're 'talking down' to them and being disrespectful. They get mad when you don't allow them to gas light you - you're 'uncooperative'. You go along with whatever and wind up being blamed for the mess (and having to clean it up). If you don't go along with it, you're 'difficult'. Sometimes you can explain things to people and if they have any intelligence,they'll be ok with learning something new or seeing things in a different perspective, but if they're truly dumb, they just get defense.

[@michelespier5879]

If common sense was common everyone would have it. Wisdom on the other hand has to be learned and applied.

[@RockandRollWoman]

When solving even a basic home maintenance problem, I've typically skipped ahead. I've already reviewed and rejected certain options, and I have to stop and explain why some potential solution wasn't workable. It's a waste of my time, and is frustrating for all concerned. If only I had an extra set of arms, I'd hang window shades alone every time. 😂 It's so much faster for me to plan a complicated project myself. I'm aware that my processing speed is higher, and not because others aren't trying. I have no problem slowing down to teach kids, or explaining complicated concepts if I'm in a teaching situation. But I'm not pushing my own thought processes much in that role. I think this will make sense to some folks.

[@holger_p]

@@michelespier5879 That's a missunderstanding. Common sense IS the sense of the stupid, and everyone DOES have it. It just has nothing to do with thinking. Common sense is based on experience. Thoughts like "We always did it this way". While real intelligence would say "We do it like this, because of ... and to avoid ...", they know about the "Why".

[@desireelococo1747]

Totally!!

[@MadonnaGrogan]

You are not the problem

[@GhostOfATotalStranger]

My ex gf would make fun of me because I had a very select small group of friends and didn't play "Keeping up with the Jones's", unlike herself who worried about what others thought and was envious of others

[@c1ph3rpunk]

Growing up I was called “highly intelligent” by my teachers who then told my parents “he’s not working up to his potential”. As a result, I viewed the “potential” part as a negative and actively worked to be more “average” so stop those types of comments. Basically, “see, you were wrong, I’m not intelligent and I AM working to my potential”. At the same time, I had hoped it would ward off the “you’re a nerd” attachment (it didn’t). Fast forward 50 or so years and I’ve learned to embrace these oddities and use them as an advantage. The funny part is that now I am critical of myself, and think I have more potential, and set goals to try to reach them. I HAVE to live alone, and I have 2 ex wives that will attest that I’m better off this way.

[@thisisme3238]

I wouldn't say you have to live alone, but probably choose to live alone. Highly intelligent people seem to have to "search" for someone that understands them for who they are, not what the other person implies they are...hard to have conversations with just anyone, the other person just doesn't understand and worse thing about it is the other person just isn't that interested. 🤔

[@AliciaGuitar]

Me too. I love my best friend but i need my alone time and need a certain amount of privacy. Im not even interested in romance or sex. When given the silent treatment i think its a reward. That didnt go over well with my 2 exes 😂

[@swisskiwi1478]

I hear you! Doubt I will ever remarry now that my daughters are adults.

[@jens4176]

we actually prefer to be with other highly intelligent people, or with animals because otherwise we are wasting our time and only adding frustration to our lives (dealing w avg IQs) which is not fufilling

[@RonBaker456]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time. Intelligent people also realize that love relationships always end in pain for the one left behind. Be careful what you love. We can be hurt most deeply by that which we love most deeply. The older I get, the more that determines my desire for new close relationships. Sad but true.

[@waw-ip6wl]

native speaker~

[@IntheMOMENT22173]

I hear you.

[@pleasetakemecanada]

This may sound odd- or maybe not- I've never been in love with anyone..but I'm ok with it because you can't yearn or be sad for something you're not capable or interested in..that's OK I've got myself. Edit: it also sounds too complicated for me..simplicity is best.

[@concettarisilia9623]

Emotional intelligence is different from book learning or ability to do technical work. Many comments are about emotional connections that caused pain. Better to be alone than with bad company.

[@user-lp9ou1hf4e]

right.

[@holger_p]

No, that's the opposite. If you have no social skills, you have no other help , no other therapy than isolation, the most easiest but radical solution. If you have emotional intelligence, you know how to handle "bad company". So nobody here was talking about emotional intelligence. It's more often mutual exclusive with rational intelligence.

[@guzy1971]

Conclusion : being highly intelligent isn’t a good thing for social success

[@Oscar-ve3ci]

Desafortunadamente los Ignorantes critican este tipo de comportamiento en las Personas Inteligentes...

[@CJBradley]

Too many people I know can't listen for more than half a minuet and never stop talking as if they know everything and assume everyone will be interested.

[@dannynicart2389]

Partly I would agree with this observation. My daughter graduated with top honors in an Ivy school and prefers to be alone. But at work, her co-workers like her because she is kind, generous, and has patience with newbies showing them the ropes of the job.

[@anonygent]

I had a friend who was highly intelligent, not quite up to my level, but she spent half her life explaining. She would talk so fast and at a high level and then have to slow down and dumb down for most people. I could keep up, and she told me once I was the only person she knew that she didn't have to dumb down for. It was interesting listening to her talk to others because no one else could keep up with her stream of consciousness monologue.

[@pennydreadful5217]

Good video. I am considered highly intelligent but not easy to talk to by most people. The only ones I feel comfortable with and talk to easily are deep individuals, other introverts, and those I can relate to. I can't bear frivolous people or those who try to impress or flirt just for their ego

[@Cocoisagordonsetter]

My father in law would drone on incessantly about his interests/career. My husband has a PhD in engineering although he doesn't consider himself a nerd among nerds. He got there through sheer grit and needing a career. His father also had a PhD in science. My husband picked up on the mistakes of his father and really tries not to talk about his stuff with regular people as it bores them and is NOT a successful way to move about the world. With that said, we are both introverts. I'm just VERY social sometimes.

[@frederiquelavigne5649]

I get so bored talking to people, only once in a while I'll meet someone who I really enjoy talking too. Hope it means Im highly intelligent. :)

[@xxxxxxxxx3944]

Or maybe not stupid ? People I sort of socialise with want to talk about celebrities and reality tv. If movies, then Barbie or Pretty Woman. Yawn.

[@jontalbot1]

Most people only have one topic: themselves

[@hatehypocrisy1]

No

[@maryyoung4046]

@@hatehypocrisy1 lol btw I like your screenname and I hate hypocrisy also.

[@equine2020]

It's hard to tolerate fools. People who won't educate themselves. Complainers who expect others fight their fights.

[@CynthiaSchoenbauer]

Being understood is very important to me. Those are the only people who will appreciate me and respect me, and not just keep trying to use me. LOOK AT ME MA!

[@Yvonne-le6ju]

So glad this was on KZbin today.... always wondered what was wrong with me at 78years....this is me to a Tee ☺️🇦🇺

[@thomasb.smithjr.8401]

'I cannot afford to listen to the dreams, hopes, goals and visions of my friends, lest I lose sight of my own. I chide society. I embrace solitude.' Emerson

[@shadrach6299]

I’ve always been “the odd man out”. It used to bother me but I’m fine with it now. I can’t change it.

[@marcreyes6415]

It practically describe everything about me, thanks for making me feel special I thought I was being weird though I thought maybe I'm just different from the rest. I don't know how well or true about your research with regards about intelligent people but hey.. I love this! Thank you

[@michelespier5879]

Weird no, unique yes.

[@rebeccahickerson755]

15 reasons intelligent people like to be alone: 1: They like to be alone 2: They like to be alone 3: They like to be alone ........

[@valve6642]

Never thought of myself as "highly intelligent", but I fit ALL FIFTEEN.

[@royengstrom4135]

This was excellent, and a great explanation of intelligent people's attitudes, especially that last one about petty drama.

[@clairee4939]

I’m an average person but most of these relate to me. 😊

[@waw-ip6wl]

oh，you are bragging

[@hopyfullyapro]

I think the point of the video is the make ambiguous statements that apply to a majority of the population, so that more people relate to the video, AND THEREFORE, are more likely to watch more of their videos. Most of these generic psych channels seem predatory., but what do I know. I don't like being alone.

[@janeroberts9930]

​Intelligent 😉

[@finalfantasyfreak6925]

Every point this video makes regarding highly intelligent people fits me perfectly. I finally understand myself

[@johnsherman6718]

Thank you so much for this vid! I humbly feel so much better to have seen this vid and all the comments!

[@CynthiaSchoenbauer]

This makes me feel A LOT better about my self. Thank you sooo much for helping me with that TT!

[@enumaofuru]

😩😪😭😭😭 .. Not being ashamed of your own company is enlightenment. It's a cool thing to be able to do

[@CynthiaSchoenbauer]

I am increasingly not ashamed of who I am and enjoying knowing about it and using it. Good comment!

[@user-js7gs2nv2q]

I find that being alone and talking to my self is sometimes the only way to have an intelligent conversation!

[@deborah9384]

When people ask me anything about friends, I look at them and smile just before I tell them “I don’t have any friends “ it’s none of their business. I have learned that most of the time, I will succumb to a few people who what to shred others just bc they think they can. I choose to not be a part of the problem. Thank you.

[@cjpreach]

"It's better to be alone than in bad company." Dr. John C. Maxwell

[@longtailgt]

Almost all of this very accurately describes me but I'm definitely not a highly intelligent person nor will I ever consider myself one, so I think this list generally applies to more average people as well, albeit a smaller minority.

[@Northman1963]

"I never knew the companion as companionable as solitude". H D Thoreau

[@howell7136]

I'm not that smart, but smart enough to want to be alone. I'm a shy person, so that contributes.

[@crazybeartimba]

Time. They prefer to be alone because their time is limited.

[@ChristysChannelYall]

I’m considered highly intelligent and I’d say this video was pretty spot on. I prefer to be alone. Interacting with other people is frequently annoying as I process things faster. Driving is awful because it feels like everyone is in slow motion. I don’t like small talk or social interactions. I love to study and research whatever I’m interested in at any given time and just avoid frivolous social situations. And yes, people do think I’m strange. I’ve been diagnosed with ADHD and told to just slow down. People don’t get that it is hard for some of us to “slow down”. In grade school (in the 80’s) I was put in a separate class with about 10 other kids who were similar. We were the kids who got finished with our assignments and tests too fast and would be distracting to the other kids in the class. It was great. They would give us puzzles and unique projects and stuff to do. We went on field trips. I’m a nurse now, which is plenty stimulating enough for my brain 😂

[@Anton_Sh.]

How do you feel being a nurse as a highly intelligent?

[@norasheridan4469]

I count my blessings every day, because my three adult children all enjoy intellectual conversation and debate! After struggling for years to find meaningful connections with others, it's wonderful! They are the only friends I need. Agree with most of what you said, and love being alone

[@brendas1346]

OMG, I've never considered myself highly intelligent, but dang, I can relate to almost every point that was mentioned.

[@bren2385]

I WOULDNT BE ARROGANT TO SAY IM HIGHLY INTELLIGENT BUT EVERYTHING IN THIS VIDEO ITS 100% SPOT ON 👍👍👍

[@216trixie]

If you hadn't capitalized your comment you might come across as a little more sincere.

[@bren2385]

@@216trixie CAPS HELP TO IDENTIFY WHEN MORONS HAVE NOTHING INTELLIGENT TO SAY.. IT WORKS VERY WELL IN DEBATE FORMAT 😁👍

[@rp-hl8bo]

You are not alone.

[@buckaroobaizuo25]

You should try shouting so that us tiny brains can understand what you mean

[@AliciaGuitar]

Its not arrogant to admit you are highly intelligent if you are, just dont brag. If like me you were tested and placed in gifted classes its just the facts. Even if not it could still be true ... lots of gifted kids fall through the cracks.

[@brianatkinson6600]

Great video. I'm much like what this video describes. Though I don't consider myself highly intelligent, other people do. After all, it's other people that usually define you. The main reason I restrict socialization is because it's one sided (and I've had thousands of those conversations). As I get older, most individuals seems to be some type of game player rather than saying something substantive. I'd have to say that my peers are generally very lazy (baby boomers) / and I"m one of them. I passed most of the conversations I have when I was a preteen (60 now). I'd rather say nothing at all than nod at someone until they stop talking. I have mostly complex vocation level hobbies that I can do at home (STEM related). There really isn't much that I can share as most of what I do is far above the ability of anyone I know. I was involved in multiple social groups but I slowly retired them over the years (especially after 40) as it seemed like they were going in a different direction (like backwards) and many were already marginal before they started going backwards. I use thresholds to interview people now as I've statistically found that they are very good indicators of every other aspect of their cognition. I can usually tell in less than a few minutes (if that long) whether I want to know someone at all. Since I'm exposed to many people I speak to everyone, but I rarely harvest anything from the experience. I'm always looking though.

[@GTSongwriter]

So right about finding anyone that would want to engage on the level of thinking I have. When they do listen to my concepts, they think I'm crazy...as if I was telling them I've invented time jumping.

[@dirtdog7937]

👏🏾 I agree with this message! Only 2 thing’s missing, I don’t want the attention or approval of anyone!

[@dustinwalker6331]

This episode speaks to me right now

[@privateprivate8366]

I don’t know how intelligent I am. I know that it can also be according to the opportunities you’ve had or not had. I think I’m considered smart, but unconventional, by my workplace peers. I did test as a strong INTJ, if that means anything. I know that the nickname for it is “rational mastermind”. But, yes, most interactions with people seem like a banal waste of time. Drudgery. It can be painful on the daily. Not simply because people don’t understand me. But because they think something is wrong with me, for me to be comfortable in my own company. And that wouldn’t be so bad, if they didn’t also try to hijack to correct me. They have no idea what an absolute car crash that would be. I’m introverted. Not afraid of people. If it comes to it, after I’ve told you to leave me alone, then I’ve ignored you, I have no issue telling to GTFO of my face. And I don’t just want to be alone. I don’t want my time with my pets to be interrupted by someone else’s need to wedge their foot into my life. My pets’ lives are short. Trust that I won’t be ever greatful, to have, instead, let their lives pass, because I spent time being talked to death, by an intrusive neighbor. I’m also a creative. If you try to make me feel as if the “more appropriate” thing to do, is to drop my creativity, so I can babysit an adult, who is desperate for my time and attention, I might be accused of child abuse, by the way I react to lack of recognition of my boundaries. I actually often present as an extrovert. But, that’s because I need a paycheck. Stop paying me and you’ll see what an introvert I really am. So, the question is, of course, “Wouldn’t you like SOMEONE in your life?” Yes. I’d like to fall in love with a man of like mind.

[@tgx3529]

Be yourself, you are free, you are independent!

[@dellaroggia]

So true, it’s something that I experiment each day, I get so bored chatting with average people. I prefer to study, read books, write, getting a second degree …it’s so rare to meet people that I I enjoy their company growing up in my knowledge with them

[@StrongLadyZoe]

I never feel alone because I have always my own peaceful company with me as a singer songwriter and a soul of art in many things so I love to be alone without anyone disturbing my peace. But of course I can be social as well but with other ones who stimulate my intellectual personality. 😌 I can laugh a lot and I can make others feel good in my company they say these few I prefer to have in my life I live in freedom under responsibility with. 🙂 //

[@samxaiver9852]

THIS VIDEO SPEAKS TO MY HEART!

[@antonhuman8446]

First presentation in a long time which I could truly appreciate. Thank you.

[@SmilingShadow-jl5tr]

High intelligence is just a single dimension of humanity. Every highly intelligent person has a different character and a different set of personal needs. I know highly intelligent people who like drama and gossip and highly intelligent people who like to be in imbalanced relationships where they abuse and control others and highly intelligent people who are perfectly fine to hang out not only with other highly intelligent people but also any other people who make them feel good. And highly intelligent people who want to be either alone or will hang out with people on their level only.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

No one “knows everything” and those who think they do only reveal their unwillingness to learn anything from others. The smartest people are those who want to constantly learn, it’s their pleasure.