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AMA

I am highly intelligent, ask me anything

858 replies

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 09:01

Using standard IQ scales/assessments I am highly intelligent. I have also done some research into high intelligence. Being highly intelligent has advantages and drawbacks. Ask me anything :-)

(Just to preempt some comments: No, I don’t think intelligent people are better human beings than other people. I think qualities such as being kind are more important for example. No, intelligent people are not always ‘better for society’, there is some evidence, for example, that really highly intelligent people carry out proportionally somewhat more crimes (white collar). No, I don’t look down on less intelligent people (sometimes I envy them), but it can obviously be a bit difficult to connect if you have very different frames of reference. No, intelligence does not have any direct links to social skills (positive or negative).)

OP posts:
SixtySomething · 22/02/2026 13:25

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:10

There are many countries where grades/exams are not the only way of getting into university. There are alternative options, and, more than that, there are many countries where you are not considered a 'mature student' when you are 21+, which makes it much easier to use for people to use more time to think about what they want to do and not be disadvantaged by starting later. That leads to less exam fixation.

But you haven’t answered my question.
Nothing was originally said about university, but about education in general.

As you’ve now changed the subject to university, please tell me me what these countries are where you can attend university without grades/exams.

DaffodilTuesday · 22/02/2026 13:25

fivetriangulartrees · 22/02/2026 09:16

What other parts of your identity are important to you? What do you have to fall back on if your intelligence goes?

I was highly intelligent and had assumed it was a permanent trait, but I'm so knackered and overstimulated now with children that I really don't feel capable of coherent thought any more.

Hi, I know I am not the OP and you did not ask me, but I found myself able to think better then ever when my DC got older, even though I also had the experience you describe. I think in the meantime, do what you enjoy, for me, that was going for days out and travelling with the DC and gardening, doing our house up and things like that.

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:26

BunnyLake · 22/02/2026 13:23

You’ve said AMA but you don’t answer some questions and get quite prickly at other questions.

This seems quite common with AMAs though, so I do wonder sometimes why people even start them, especially people who are very guarded.

I have been unable to keep up with all questions - once I (tried to) answer one there were 20 new comments. Lots of people wanted to say something, whether trying to tell me things about my lacking social skills - very unsurprisingly - or asking questions or adding very interesting comments, so I guess some people appreciated it!

OP posts:
Happyharper · 22/02/2026 13:26

Do you enjoy reading poetry? I always imagine that's what people far more intelligent than me would spend their time doing!

ThatAgileLimeCat · 22/02/2026 13:27

I really really hope this isn't linked to another post about DH with very high intelligence and it's just an unfortunate coincidence

BunnyLake · 22/02/2026 13:30

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:26

I have been unable to keep up with all questions - once I (tried to) answer one there were 20 new comments. Lots of people wanted to say something, whether trying to tell me things about my lacking social skills - very unsurprisingly - or asking questions or adding very interesting comments, so I guess some people appreciated it!

I asked earlier if you think you have a good sense of humour, can you laugh (I mean tears down your face) laugh?

scottishgirl69 · 22/02/2026 13:31

ThatAgileLimeCat · 22/02/2026 13:27

I really really hope this isn't linked to another post about DH with very high intelligence and it's just an unfortunate coincidence

Why would it be? The person in that post is in hospital and has been sectioned.

TheFilliesDidNotRise · 22/02/2026 13:32

When do you think AI will overtake human intelligence? Some believe it will be as soon as next year. When do you think having an IQ of above 170 will be seen as no different to having an IQ of less than 110 because AI is so much smarter than us?

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:35

SixtySomething · 22/02/2026 13:25

But you haven’t answered my question.
Nothing was originally said about university, but about education in general.

As you’ve now changed the subject to university, please tell me me what these countries are where you can attend university without grades/exams.

Education in general includes university.

We are potentially talking about different things here: entry to the next stage in the UK education system is normally based on high grades at the earliest opportunity. Having the required knowledge is one thing - using grades attained at one point to get access in competition with others is another.

For many subjects in the German university system there are no restrictions:

'What is an open admission degree programme?
Open admission means that the degree programme does not have restricted admission (NC). If you meet the prerequisites for admission, you will receive a place in the programme. There is no actual allocation process for these degree programmes.'
(https://www.uni-augsburg.de/en/studium/bewerbung/bewerbung/verfahrensablauf/open-admission-degree-programmes-without-nc/)

In Denmark, some students are admitted based on grades and some students are admitted on 'alternative experiences' where they argue in their application why they want to study x subject.

In Sweden a type of scholastic aptitude test is an alternative route in.

So there are three examples.

OP posts:
MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 22/02/2026 13:35

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:16

'it isn't actually the high intelligence itself that is getting in the way of people's social connections'

Lots of research backing up that this is an issue for many intelligent people.

So you keep saying, but you still haven't answered my question about why, if it is the intelligence itself that is causing these issues, all highly intelligent people would not be equally afflicted?

I know quite a few highly intelligent people who struggle to connect effectively with other people. Most of them believe that this is due to their high intelligence, but from my perspective, that is an incorrect assessment - they simply lack good social skills.

I know a lot of equally intelligent people who don't struggle socially at all - indeed, there are some who are as gifted in this area as they are gifted academically. If intelligence was the issue, then they would surely struggle to connect with others as well.

There are undoubtedly lots of people with high IQs who struggle socially. There are also lots of people with low and average IQs who struggle socially. The fact that some people self report that their social struggles are the consequence of having a high IQ does not prove that this is actually the case.

So I will ask for a final time, if you think your difficulties in connecting with people are specifically caused by your intelligence, why do you think that others with comparable intelligence levels do not experience the same challenges?

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:36

BunnyLake · 22/02/2026 13:23

You’ve said AMA but you don’t answer some questions and get quite prickly at other questions.

This seems quite common with AMAs though, so I do wonder sometimes why people even start them, especially people who are very guarded.

As stated above, it is difficult to answer to such a barrage of questions in a timely way! It will inevitably come across as trying to avoid some questions.

OP posts:
dontcallhimpunch · 22/02/2026 13:40

MonstrousRegimentRocks · 22/02/2026 13:00

I think that's common among a lot of people.

Especially Gen alpha 😂

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:42

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 22/02/2026 13:35

So you keep saying, but you still haven't answered my question about why, if it is the intelligence itself that is causing these issues, all highly intelligent people would not be equally afflicted?

I know quite a few highly intelligent people who struggle to connect effectively with other people. Most of them believe that this is due to their high intelligence, but from my perspective, that is an incorrect assessment - they simply lack good social skills.

I know a lot of equally intelligent people who don't struggle socially at all - indeed, there are some who are as gifted in this area as they are gifted academically. If intelligence was the issue, then they would surely struggle to connect with others as well.

There are undoubtedly lots of people with high IQs who struggle socially. There are also lots of people with low and average IQs who struggle socially. The fact that some people self report that their social struggles are the consequence of having a high IQ does not prove that this is actually the case.

So I will ask for a final time, if you think your difficulties in connecting with people are specifically caused by your intelligence, why do you think that others with comparable intelligence levels do not experience the same challenges?

I have many friends today and don't struggle to connect with people in general. In some contexts I play down what I can 'get' / understand easily because that is easier for everyone.

I have had problems earlier, especially at school, where I was pushed into a group of people I had little in common with and was forced to spend a lot of time with. Everyone needs their tribe - I am lucky to have one now.

I don't see why it would be strange that some intelligent people suffer more from connecting with people than others? If you're secure and happy with your friends and social life most of the time it will obviously be easier to sometimes accept/live with/enjoy seeing people you don't connect with massively really. That is just one example.

OP posts:
RosyCam · 22/02/2026 13:43

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:36

As stated above, it is difficult to answer to such a barrage of questions in a timely way! It will inevitably come across as trying to avoid some questions.

Are you aware you have replied to the same comment twice in a matter of minutes?

Random321 · 22/02/2026 13:43

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:17

Glad you enjoyed it. Not surprised to yet again see someone who makes assumptions about what I am like based on this one thread :-)

You really don't help yourself, do you?

Again, surely you have the ability to understand that the only cues available to me are those you post and all I have to help me form an impression.

Have you ever heard the expression "so smart but yet so stupid"?

There's no point trading off your academic intelligence when you lack the capacity to:

  1. Understand most of the thinking on this thread
  2. Use attack and defense as a response rather than discussion, debate and exploration
  3. To understand that you have an arrogance and trade of the back of academic success rather than having the capacity to see, let alone understand or work on your weaknesses.
  4. Have a completely closed mindset and cannot think outside your narrow range, especially when it comes so emotional IQ and self development.

If you could shake of the arrogance for just one second, you would realise the thread of full of intelligent people. You aren't some sort of unicorn where no one understands you due to your "intelligence".

Everyone here is telling you, your intelligence is extremely limited to academics and that it's worth exploring it to develop a more rounded intelligence.

If you could master some of life's softer skills and find some humility, life would be far easier for you.

Most intellligent people realise by the age of 12 that academic intelligent in insolation and without any introspective insight or self reflection leads to a harder more lonely, difficult, life.

The penny just hasn't dropped yet. It really is a massive blindspot in terms of your intelligence.

And as per your form on this thread, you will dismiss this as an assumption or any attract. True intelligence would allow you to evaluate it on merit and see how it cpuld benefit you.

Also @MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack, (& apologies MrsB for using you as an example) for one, is as sharp as a tact - clearly very intelligent by her posts but has not once told us she's superior. Her articulation, formulation of thought and debate demonstrate that.

The contrast is remarkable and you don't even see it.

CanadianJohn2 · 22/02/2026 13:43

Do you play chess?

user1473878824 · 22/02/2026 13:44

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 09:17

Completely agree that IQ is just one measure, that's why I tried to exemplify. 'Emotional intelligence' is a bit of a weird concept though. I'd say I am as 'emotionally intelligent' as the average person, at least. I'm very sensitive and easily cry when I hear about horrible things or think about the state of the world.

No I am not autistic.

(I'll ignore pointless questions. Feel free to move to another thread if this does not interest you or you feel provoked, it is very common when intelligence is discussed.)

……..you say you think you’re emotionally intelligent so I assume you’re being weirdly rude and defensive on purpose. Enjoy your thread.

dontcallhimpunch · 22/02/2026 13:46

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:12

Yes, that was one example. Not sure what your point was, unless you wanted to argue that you know my full spectrum..? It is difficult to think of examples without being outing, unfortunately, but this is a useful ability in many academic situations too.

Not biting on your nitpicking :-)

nitpicking because I said there are more than 2 ways to look at something?

Admittedly, maybe it's a little literal but you do come across defensive in your writing.

Best of luck to you and your journey of introspection and learnedness.

dontcallhimpunch · 22/02/2026 13:47

user1473878824 · 22/02/2026 13:44

……..you say you think you’re emotionally intelligent so I assume you’re being weirdly rude and defensive on purpose. Enjoy your thread.

Yep, same conclusion here.

Have a nice Sunday OP.

OliviaWhatshername · 22/02/2026 13:48

Random321 · 22/02/2026 13:43

You really don't help yourself, do you?

Again, surely you have the ability to understand that the only cues available to me are those you post and all I have to help me form an impression.

Have you ever heard the expression "so smart but yet so stupid"?

There's no point trading off your academic intelligence when you lack the capacity to:

  1. Understand most of the thinking on this thread
  2. Use attack and defense as a response rather than discussion, debate and exploration
  3. To understand that you have an arrogance and trade of the back of academic success rather than having the capacity to see, let alone understand or work on your weaknesses.
  4. Have a completely closed mindset and cannot think outside your narrow range, especially when it comes so emotional IQ and self development.

If you could shake of the arrogance for just one second, you would realise the thread of full of intelligent people. You aren't some sort of unicorn where no one understands you due to your "intelligence".

Everyone here is telling you, your intelligence is extremely limited to academics and that it's worth exploring it to develop a more rounded intelligence.

If you could master some of life's softer skills and find some humility, life would be far easier for you.

Most intellligent people realise by the age of 12 that academic intelligent in insolation and without any introspective insight or self reflection leads to a harder more lonely, difficult, life.

The penny just hasn't dropped yet. It really is a massive blindspot in terms of your intelligence.

And as per your form on this thread, you will dismiss this as an assumption or any attract. True intelligence would allow you to evaluate it on merit and see how it cpuld benefit you.

Also @MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack, (& apologies MrsB for using you as an example) for one, is as sharp as a tact - clearly very intelligent by her posts but has not once told us she's superior. Her articulation, formulation of thought and debate demonstrate that.

The contrast is remarkable and you don't even see it.

is as sharp as a tact -

I agree, but one tiny thing, unless it's a typo , it's sharp as a 'tack' ( a nail.)

dontcallhimpunch · 22/02/2026 13:48

Would any of the many highly intelligent posters on this thread consider a more interesting AMA?

dontcallhimpunch · 22/02/2026 13:51

I have one final question.

Could you share how you typically approach writing your academic papers? I’ve noticed that your written English in this instance does not seem to meet the expected academic standard, so I’m interested in understanding your writing process.

For example, do you make use of any support tools or AI when preparing your academic work or do you have some who proof reads and corrects your grammar and flow?

Random321 · 22/02/2026 13:53

OliviaWhatshername · 22/02/2026 13:48

is as sharp as a tact -

I agree, but one tiny thing, unless it's a typo , it's sharp as a 'tack' ( a nail.)

I know, it's a typo.

My posts are littered with them all the time. I think quicker than I type and don't re read as it's not a professional environment so there's no real need or benefit.

I can admit is probably annoys a lot of posters and I should take more care but I'm not bothered!

No doubt OP will be along in a minute to tell me I'm not very intelligent as a result 😀

nolinkname · 22/02/2026 13:55

Random321 · 22/02/2026 13:43

You really don't help yourself, do you?

Again, surely you have the ability to understand that the only cues available to me are those you post and all I have to help me form an impression.

Have you ever heard the expression "so smart but yet so stupid"?

There's no point trading off your academic intelligence when you lack the capacity to:

  1. Understand most of the thinking on this thread
  2. Use attack and defense as a response rather than discussion, debate and exploration
  3. To understand that you have an arrogance and trade of the back of academic success rather than having the capacity to see, let alone understand or work on your weaknesses.
  4. Have a completely closed mindset and cannot think outside your narrow range, especially when it comes so emotional IQ and self development.

If you could shake of the arrogance for just one second, you would realise the thread of full of intelligent people. You aren't some sort of unicorn where no one understands you due to your "intelligence".

Everyone here is telling you, your intelligence is extremely limited to academics and that it's worth exploring it to develop a more rounded intelligence.

If you could master some of life's softer skills and find some humility, life would be far easier for you.

Most intellligent people realise by the age of 12 that academic intelligent in insolation and without any introspective insight or self reflection leads to a harder more lonely, difficult, life.

The penny just hasn't dropped yet. It really is a massive blindspot in terms of your intelligence.

And as per your form on this thread, you will dismiss this as an assumption or any attract. True intelligence would allow you to evaluate it on merit and see how it cpuld benefit you.

Also @MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack, (& apologies MrsB for using you as an example) for one, is as sharp as a tact - clearly very intelligent by her posts but has not once told us she's superior. Her articulation, formulation of thought and debate demonstrate that.

The contrast is remarkable and you don't even see it.

I have no idea why you and others feel a need to advise me on my life?

"Everyone here is telling you, your intelligence is extremely limited to academics"

I don't think 'everyone here' knows enough to say anything about my intelligence (or my life at all really).

I completely agree that there have been lots of interesting points made by lots of intelligent people.

I'm glad you found this thread interesting/useful enough to spend time on it and I hope it has helped you in some way.

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 22/02/2026 13:55

As someone with a Mensa level IQ I am rolling my eyes so hard at this thread it’s probably audible.
I work in financial services where the majority of my colleagues have at least one degree, most of us will have postgraduate and professional qualifications too, and are in the top 10% of earners. Plenty are top 5% or above. I work with many of people who speak and have studied in more than one language.
You know what, we are all just people. We talk about sports, our children, holidays etc. We don’t have highly intellectual conversations about the meaning of life. If there is a problem that needs solving people get to a solution quickly.

What actually counts is not the ability to get things quickly or see solutions others don’t but the ability to get on with it and turn theory into practice. In the real world often practical intelligence well implemented trumps theoretical and intellectual exercises. Thinking of a cure for cancer is not as important as actually developing and implementing it.

Sometimes high intelligence can make you an intellectual butterfly flitting from one bright interesting thing to the next without ever truly achieving in any of them.

My answer to the giraffe question is that they wear the ties at the collar level by the base of their shoulders. Following a frustrating foray into clip on ties that didn’t hold well on their coats and kept getting knocked off, they developed a new approach. After extensive negotiations, giraffes entered into a symbiotic relationship with vervet monkeys who manage the sartorial duties in return for transport and lookout services from the giraffes.