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Intelligence is a complex and elusive trait, often recognized only when observed. Over time, researchers have attempted to measure and understand it, uncovering intriguing patterns that connect intelligence to specific traits. This article explores some unexpected characteristics more commonly found in highly intelligent individuals. However, correlation does not equal causation, so the exact nature of these links remains uncertain. For instance, being left-handed, hairy, or homosexual doesn't necessarily mean you're a genius.
10. Left-Handedness
The human brain is divided into two hemispheres, each performing similar functions but with slight variations. In most humans and many mammals, one hemisphere tends to dominate, influencing handedness. Research suggests that left-handed individuals may have a unique brain organization linked to higher intelligence, often scoring better and completing IQ tests faster than their right-handed counterparts. However, studies also indicate that left-handed people exhibit a broader IQ range, meaning they are overrepresented among both the highly intelligent and those with lower cognitive abilities.
9. Homosexuality
A recent study by evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa revealed a minor yet notable connection between homosexuality and intelligence. The findings indicated that individuals with multiple homosexual partners were more likely to exhibit higher intelligence, rather than homosexuality itself being a direct trait of intelligence. Those who achieved the highest scores on intelligence tests often reported having the most homosexual partners. Kanazawa theorizes that homosexuality might reflect a sense of curiosity, which is closely tied to intelligence. Additionally, societal attitudes toward gay individuals could play a role; children bullied for perceived homosexuality might channel their energy into intellectual endeavors, striving for success in fields where they feel accepted.
8. Birth Order
Numerous studies have identified a correlation between IQ and birth order within families. Firstborn children typically exhibit higher intelligence compared to their younger siblings, with each subsequent child scoring progressively lower on IQ tests. The cause of this phenomenon was initially unclear—whether it stemmed from changes in prenatal conditions as mothers had more children or from post-birth social dynamics. Recent research, however, suggests that the key factor influencing IQ is the way children are treated within the family, rather than birth order itself. For instance, in cases where the firstborn child dies, the second child often demonstrates the same IQ boost typically associated with being the eldest.
7. Atheism
The relationship between IQ and religiosity has been widely studied across individuals and societies. Countries with higher rates of atheism tend to have populations with higher average IQ scores. To eliminate societal biases, individual-level studies have also been conducted. A 2008 study analyzed the connection between intelligence and religious belief, revealing a clear hierarchy: atheists ranked highest in intelligence, followed by agnostics, liberal believers, and, at the bottom, religious fundamentalists.
6. Body Hair
Research conducted by Dr. Aikarakudy Alias has uncovered a connection between body hair and intelligence in men. Instead of measuring IQ, he examined the correlation between body hair and educational attainment. Contrary to common assumptions, his findings revealed that men with higher education, such as students or graduates, tended to have more body hair than those in manual labor jobs. Additionally, students who excelled academically were often hairier than their underperforming peers.
Although his research primarily focused on chest hair, Dr. Alias also identified a link between back hair and intelligence in men. However, the relationship between body hair and intelligence in women remains unexplored in systematic studies.
5. Happiness
Ernest Hemingway once remarked, “Happiness in intelligent individuals is the rarest thing I know.” Many brilliant minds, including Hemingway himself, who tragically ended his life, appear to be plagued by their own intellect. Historically, high IQ was thought to correlate with depression and melancholy. However, a recent UK study revealed that individuals with lower IQs were more prone to unhappiness compared to their more intelligent counterparts. It may not be intelligence itself but the traits often associated with it that contribute to feelings of despair.
4. Eccentricity
Eccentricity is a challenging trait to define and quantify. It typically involves behavior that deviates from social norms but, unlike insanity, isn’t inherently harmful. Anecdotal evidence suggests that creative intellectuals and academics often exhibit eccentric tendencies. Montaigne once noted, “Obsession is the wellspring of genius and madness,” implying that such obsession might foster eccentricity and, in turn, enhance intelligence.
3. Chocolate Consumption
Correlation does not always mean causation. When an unexpected connection is found between two unrelated factors, it’s essential to explore the underlying relationship. A recent study examined the number of Nobel Prize winners per ten million people in a country and compared it to the nation’s chocolate consumption. The findings revealed a strong, statistically significant positive correlation. While eating chocolate or being around chocolate-loving friends might not secure you a Nobel Prize, it certainly doesn’t seem to harm your cognitive abilities in the long term.
2. Bipolar Disorder
The connection between intelligence and mental illness dates back to ancient times. While outdated terms like 'madness' are no longer acceptable, the relationship between mental health and intelligence remains a key area of research for neuroscientists and psychologists. A Swedish study analyzed the academic performance of students and their mental health outcomes later in life. It discovered that individuals in the top-performing group were four times more likely to develop bipolar disorder in adulthood.
1. Drinking
Longitudinal studies tracking British children have measured various traits and their connections to intelligence. One such study explored the relationship between alcohol consumption and cognitive ability. The findings revealed that a child’s future drinking habits could be predicted based on their intelligence levels. Interestingly, children with higher intelligence were more likely to consume alcohol heavily as adults. Comparable results have also been documented in the United States.
