this post was submitted on 23 Mar 2026
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First, yes, I recognize intelligence is a vast and varied thing. But, I know that YOU know what I'm asking. Second, this could be answered any way you want. Third and finally, if you're going to tell me to read more, recommend specific literature.

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[–] RBWells@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

I have kids & step kids and kids my husband previously adopted and they are intelligent in different ways. Only one had some developmental delays and is not, she struggles, the rest - 3 academic hyper achievers, quick thinking and quick at learning new things, all ended up scientists of some sort. Two who are hardworking and think they are not as smart but whenever they have to take a test they score in top 10% or so, those two ended up in military intelligence. Youngest kid still in school can see things in different ways - can find solutions or ideas none of us even think of, and though they ALSO don't think they are as smart as the others, I personally consider that to be very intelligent. One who was smart & frustrated, depressed, and no longer with us - saw too much I think but could not find hope. So different people are smart in different ways, and sometimes in ways that are not helpful to them.

If I had to choose one quality - it's humor. That ability to say just the right thing in the moment that is so funny. That quick wit is a good sign of intelligence.