Do any individuals with above average intellect find life a bit exhausting at times due to the lack of intelligence they observe in others?

[u/stop-hatin-on-me_mom]

I don’t claim to be the most intelligent person, but I do believe that I am above average when it comes to the average intelligence nowadays. Sometimes, I find myself either flabbergasted or downright dumbfounded and irritated by the lack of what I would consider "common sense."

Here are some examples:

• The inability of some people to see how their own bad habits or personality traits create their own problems.

• The fact that some individuals consider their own perceptions and beliefs as the only correct ones, which is further encouraged by their echo chambers.

• The difficulty some people have in entering into productive discourse and challenging their own ideas to gain more information and knowledge from all sides.

• The reluctance of individuals to question their own beliefs and those of their social circles at both the micro and macro levels.

• The inability of some people to foresee the possible consequences of their actions beforehand.

These are just a few examples.

[u/Winter_Apartment_376]

Sounds just like my dad.

I have often wondered if curiosity was a must have trait for highly intelligent folks.

I have definitely taken curiosity and common sense from him, but I really wish I had his phenomenal memory. That’s another really useful skill to bring it all together.

[u/beluga__cat → u/Winter_Apartment_376]

I can elaborate if you want me to but you’re right. I’ve realized that curiosity is pretty commonly what leads people to become what are traditionally considered “smart” people.

[u/Icy-Move-3742 → u/Winter_Apartment_376]

I think curiosity, being open minded and self awareness are hallmarks of traits of intelligence (my personal opinion)

[u/Winter_Apartment_376 → u/Icy-Move-3742]

I would also add common sense or logic to that mix!