How do people with high IQ think?

[slinky]

I'd also like to add that I still am a slow learner. I learn things slowly the first time, but once I figure something out, I can end up knowing and doing it very well.

[Terumoto]

I don't believe the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of a person's brain can be accurately conveyed by a number.

[nick pagan]

Thinking all comes down to the nature and precision of the questions that you ask yourself. If you want a better answer then ask yourself a better question.

The quality of the questions that you ask can depend upon many things: the meaning of the words used, the assumptions taken for granted, the inherent logic (or lack of it), and many other factors.

Genius results often come down to merely asking different or new questions that no one has ever asked before and then following through on the paths that those questions demand through the desire to find satisfactory answers. The famous geniuses of the world are those who succeed in answering new questions.

Nothing will boost your cleverness better than asking better questions. You can read all about it here:
Why “Why?” Often Doesn’t Help

Nick

[Chado2423]

Intellegence is relative. People with high IQ's may or may not have successful lives. There is also EQ (emotional quotient). People assume that simply because one person is successful in one area of their lives, that they'd be successful in other areas, but this is a false belief. The reality is you can be a genuis and a starving artist, with bad relationships. Brilliance of living surpassing Intellegence levels, and is IMHO a very abstract reality.

In short, people with high IQ's don't really think any differently than anyone else. They have just learned different things that can be measured by a test. Whereas there are others who learn unmeasurable qualities, qualities that can only be seen in day to day functions and lifestyle choices. This is the profound difference between street smarts and book smarts.

*You might be able to read all the books in your library, but if you have no one to read them with or to, why read them at all?

Another similar quote I heard on a t.v. show:
*You might be able to know the names of all the states... but have you ever seen the sun rise in Montanna?

*I'm beginning to learn that intellegence is completely relative, and cannot fully ever be accurately measured by a test. You can only learn what the test measures... but these tests don't test you on your overall ability to live your life productively. It may irk some professionals, but once they get down to the core of it, and examine it truthfully, they'll have to understand that tests are meaningless in the grand-scheme of everything you'll ever experience in your life.

(Before you argue with me... yes I know that these tests are a part of your life experience, but they are not the deciding factor of who you are and what you are about, and should not be treated as such.)

[kat]

Originally Posted by zpivat

I'm very interested in anything related to intelligence, and to those of you who know you have a high (i.e: 130 or higher) IQ (or at least have been regularly labelled so by your peers), I wonder how you think? How do you analyze information or situations? Are you almost always able to think quickly, solve problems quickly, understand things quickly? Do you think in a visual or abstract way?
Feel free to share anything you can think of

I've been professionally tested twice; both times, I was comfortably within your target range.

I tend to think in words, and to a small degree, in pictures and textures. I don't tend to think in sounds or smells, although I can 'play back' music in my head (this is distinct from just 'remembering' it). How I analyze information and situations depends on the information and situation; I tend to heavily relate to what I know and/or have internalized (the latter includes some abstract principles).

I often understand, solve problems, and think quickly, but nowhere near 'almost always'; I would consider the latter a sign that I was spending too much time with problems which were too easy.

How quickly I understand depends on my current active interest, my mental state (tired, alert, foggy because of a physical illness, etc), the material, the way it is presented, and my relevant background knowledge. If something follows naturally from what I already know, I may have already thought of it and confirmed it, or wondered if it were the case. If it relies on information I didn't already have, it may take longer, and possibly some mulling-over.

I tend to think in a fairly abstract way. I've been programming for nearly 9 years, and I've grown used to growing, layering, shifting, and changing abstractions. The single best programming language I've seen for this is Haskell: if you have any interest approaching this style of thought through programming, read the Haskell prelude; it's a joy of conciseness, due to the levels of abstraction.

When I learn something conceptual (such as a result from a mathematical theorem), if I have learned it well, it's almost always accompanied by a sensation of it clicking into place. Once this has occurred, I can use it in complicated chains of reasoning, relate new knowledge to it, and derive results from it. If it doesn't occur, I may be able to recite back the fact, but I tend to be extremely limited in what I can do with it.

There isn't a corresponding click for fuzzier knowledge (such as that gained when studying a language). In the case of languages, I can assess how much of something I understand, and whether it 'feels natural' yet (the progression for understanding, as opposed to production is, from "it's unintelligible" -> able to pick out bits -> "oh, of _course_ that's how it is/that's a valid way of expressing it / I would have said it differently, exactly like (this)".

Beyond that, I tend to have a good memory, for some things. I've been known to discuss mathematical calculations with someone, then pick up again, optionally rewriting what was written before, in another location some minutes later if something strikes me. I remember a large percentage of what I read. However, I tend not to remember visual things very well (I'm not very good at recognizing faces, and I used to have almost no visual recall for artwork/architecture, until I studied the Japanese Kanji).

If anyone has any questions or wants any responses, please PM me; I'm not monitoring this thread.

[MyEyeIsOpen]

I know of a blog that someone runs that talks about this stuff. Lemme find it.

...

The Lonely Genius

[jeff3]

Mi Ique iz about 145 and I kin figger stuff out pretty good but mi social skillz are terribull. It also seemz that once yu go over about 150 Ique thee differences in problem solving abilitee goze up x-ponentially, sum1 with aye 160 will put me to shame and a 180 will smoke them.One thang I kin saye iz that Ique iz dispursed on a bell curve and them that is smartest r in a smaller crowd and thus more alone in thee wurld. I have a friend who iz about 185 and he iz a basket case, he got on methamphetamine and compounded hiz problums, very sad indeed, I think he haz passed thee poynt ov no return.

sorrie mi spell checker iz broke.

[MyBrainHurts]

Mi Ique iz about 145 and I kin figger stuff out pretty good but mi social skillz are terribull. It also seemz that once yu go over about 150 Ique thee differences in problem solving abilitee goze up x-ponentially, sum1 with aye 160 will put me to shame and a 180 will smoke them.One thang I kin saye iz that Ique iz dispursed on a bell curve and them that is smartest r in a smaller crowd and thus more alone in thee wurld. I have a friend who iz about 185 and he iz a basket case, he got on methamphetamine and compounded hiz problums, very sad indeed, I think he haz passed thee poynt ov no return.

sorrie mi spell checker iz broke.

LuL ...........

Edit:
I find this funny because allot of the smart people I know make an effort to not think.. hence everyone's friend Mrs. Marry Jane. You seem to be hanging out with Mrs. Jane ;p

[sadavis00]

Originally Posted by jeff3

Mi Ique iz about 145 and I kin figger stuff out pretty good but mi social skillz are terribull. It also seemz that once yu go over about 150 Ique thee differences in problem solving abilitee goze up x-ponentially, sum1 with aye 160 will put me to shame and a 180 will smoke them.One thang I kin saye iz that Ique iz dispursed on a bell curve and them that is smartest r in a smaller crowd and thus more alone in thee wurld. I have a friend who iz about 185 and he iz a basket case, he got on methamphetamine and compounded hiz problums, very sad indeed, I think he haz passed thee poynt ov no return.

sorrie mi spell checker iz broke.

I thought Ali-G retired! No, he's just trolling PD forums.

[hollenes]

I have never taken an actual IQ test, but I'd say my peers label me as someone with a high IQ. I too, as others here have posted, do not understand too much about my brain. I seem to process information quickly, and am a great problem solver. I also guess answers to things quite accurately. I also am constantly in deep thought. Constantly. I normally can't get to bed for at least an hour because I'm thinking about life or some other random topic. I also love to read. i think reading helps a ton when it comes to intelligence and being able to process information quickly. I've also been told that as a young child i would take apart things and put them back together all of the time. I'm not sure if that helped???

[jason03]

I am not clear as to what is abstract thinking. The dictionary says that 'abstract' is something not concrete or in detail but only the important parts. So is abstract thinking like picking up the keywords from a long paragraph ? Can any of the high IQ people here throw some light on this?

[JimOfferman]

Originally Posted by jason03

I am not clear as to what is abstract thinking. The dictionary says that 'abstract' is something not concrete or in detail but only the important parts. So is abstract thinking like picking up the keywords from a long paragraph ? Can any of the high IQ people here throw some light on this?

I think abstract thinking is more like this: when a software developer is writing code, he often has a picture in his head of the program he is creating. The picture is like a detailed construction drawing of a building, in the sense that it makes clear where each and every part is supposed to go. Except that a software program isn't anything like a building, of course. There are no bricks, beams and pipes - it's algorithms, routines, modules and other abstract constructs.

Abstract thinking is the ability to make those abstract constructs appear concrete in your mind, so you can build that mental image.

[jason03]

Originally Posted by JimOfferman

Abstract thinking is the ability to make those abstract constructs appear concrete in your mind, so you can build that mental image.

I am still not clear what abstract thinking is. I don't buy that abstract thinking is all about making mental images. I have watched intelligent people with high IQ thinking but their eye movements do not suggest that they think in pictures.
I think abstract thinking is much more than that. I can't relate to the programmer example. Can u give another example?

[JimOfferman]

Originally Posted by jason03

I am still not clear what abstract thinking is. I don't buy that abstract thinking is all about making mental images. I have watched intelligent people with high IQ thinking but their eye movements do not suggest that they think in pictures.

So, what I obviously failed to make clear in my previous post is that I didn't mean a picture literally. I don't have the image of a drawing in my head that shows the structure of the software program. I have the structure of the program in my head and I can read it like a picture or a construction drawing.

My eyes or vision cortex aren't involved in creating the mental image - it is abstract, after all. But the experience is very close to the experience of sight. You can 'see' how the whole thing holds together, you can 'see' where the problems are, you can 'see' what changes you need to make.

I think abstract thinking is much more than that. I can't relate to the programmer example. Can u give another example?

I can try, but it is difficult to put into words, because (for me at least) for the most part it is about thinking without words.

Writing music is an exercise in abstract thinking for me. I don't think in bars and notes and meters, I think in music.

[sensualspirit]

LOL, Deb you are funny.

zpivat, I rmeember the day when I found out that some of the most unintelligent people make millions of dollars, & I haven't yet. That depressed me.

I kind of said, "what's the point" if all it takes is a strong EQ, although I did understand why that was.

My EQ (in my mind) has increased slightly as I work on my issues, BUT I know I'm not "average" & I would probably fail miserably on an IQ test b/c I heard it's all about math which is not my thing.

In the last several years I've come to realize there are so many different types of intelligence.

My kind is intuitive & common sensical while being a visionary (coming up with things way before society even thinks about it, or brings it to development).

Whereas someone who's a scientist, math wiz, IT person, etc. may be intelligent when it comes to complex things I would run from, I can find them very unintelligent in other ways.

My brain thinks quite fast & I also can think steps ahead, as for me time is always of the essence. Why wait when you can do things quickly, but I'm NOT an abstract thinker. If you ask me how I want the website to look, I'll say give me some mockups, & then I'll tell you whether I like it or not, or what I would like changed.

I did very poorly in school, but that was also (not the only reason) b/c of the family I was living with. When I was sent away to school at the age of 16, I FINALLY realized I LOVE TO LEARN, & it wasn't this battle of DO YOUR HOMEWORK NOW, it was a joy to actually learn.

Learning is one of my passions. I just love to learn & grow probably b/c I get bored very easily if I'm doing the same tasks day in & day out.

This is why I'm an entrepreneur, I can never work for someone else.

Ask me to read a text book to retain a task or info, & I'd say "yeh right".

Show me how to do something, & generally (not always) I pick things up very quickly.

I feel spiritual growth also helps.

The more you love yourself, the more open your mind is to picking up things & you can convince yourself "I can do it!"

Things I ran from when I was younger I can logically think thru now, like the setting up of a VCR.

I'm also a very very logical thinker which is why I have problems fighting/arguing with most other humans b/c when they try to prove their point, most of the time their words aren't logical.

Not that I want robots for friends, but if what you say makes sense to me, then yes, I am willing to sit down & talk it thru, & I'll be the FIRST to apologize.

If what you say is immature & very childish & has no relevance to the topic at hand, or the person holds grudges or brings up things from 5 years ago, I can't relate & I get very very frustrated.

I really really want to bring more like minded people into my life.

So far in my life I've only drawn the slower minded people into my life & it's been a HUGE challenge for me.

One of my issues is not being able to be around unintelligent people, or people who don't actively work to solve problems whether it's in biz, themselves, relationships, etc.

I do sense sometimes that slow people are hiding their intelligence & I always wonder why.

I'm a pro-active person (not to be confused with me running around all day making sure 100 things get done or climbing mountains), & people who do nothing but sit around all day complaining or get depressed & don't take responsibility for their lives really bothers me.

We all have issues & problems, but we are the only ones responsible for working them thru.

For me that's also a sign of intelligence (spiritual intelligence), the understanding that one has control over their lives & CAN do something about it. Of course that's more along the lines of a person's belief system, & people who are mainstream & follow society's "crowd" to me are not very intelligent people. Not that I hang around goths or metal heads or whatever, b/c I don't, I just don't follow what society tells me to do, & for me that shows intelligence.

Saying all of that, most people I come across run from me.

They have been doing that my whole life even when I was this shy, meek insecure little girl who was always nice & friendly.

I've figure out it's an energy I give off that upsets people & ONE DAY I'll figure out why it exists with me

But, when people like me, they tend to get infactuated with me, which I later realized isn't healthy b/c I'm human of course & make mistakes too, so when they stop thinking I'm so great, they no longer wish to be around me, BUT I'm always working on changing that.

My goal/dream is to make new mature (for the most part) friends and/or partners who are intelligent, they work on their emotional issues, & like to have loads of fun.

Balance is key

Thank you for this thread, most of the time when people talk about how intelligent they are, this turns others off b/c they know they aren't intelligent & they don't like it. It's nice to be around people who know they are, aren't cocky about it, & realize like me, that most humans aren't very intelligent & we are of a breed all onto ourselves.

And I'm not talking text book intelligence either, b/c you can have 3 degrees, & it doesn't mean a thing to me. I have non, I barely graduated HS.

Have a great day everyone!


Michelle

Originally Posted by zpivat

Yes I agree with you Deb. While having a high IQ helps us to process information better, that doesn't mean we'll be successful in life. Another equally important determinant, EQ, plays a larger role, I think......

Anyway, keep your IQ stories coming people!!

[Peekaboo]

Hi, my mother's IQ is 142 and not long ago she filled out an IQ test and scored 110, then she got me to do the same test without telling me her score as she wanted to see what I got. Mine was 131. She was livid. My mother is not a nice person, she plays mind-games all the time. She's a perfect actress and if she wasn't so into her sect of a religion she would have been an actress as she loves drama (all sorts of drama) including the ones she creates. She manipulates people, she has pilfered money from those in the family who entrusted their investments to her, except us as we were one step ahead of her. If she wasn't family, she probably would've gone to jail for all the money she stole off her own father.
She is NOT nice. How do people with high IQs think? I don't know, to tell you the honest truth. One thing I know is that I'm not sociable, I can't stand gossip and thrive on intellectual talk which other people have little interest in, so I find myself turning more and more to studies and non-fiction books for stimulation. Do I find it lonely? Yes, sometimes it is. Fortunately for me my husband is highly intellectual as well and we can talk 'till the cows come home. Do I think I'm better than other people? Absolutely not, I envy most people for the social abilities they have and the ease with which they go through life. It's also surprising to me how many people are successful without having a genius IQ. I think in this world it is more important to have EQ - Emotional Intellegence - to know how to get on with people.
Hope this helps
Peekaboo

[JimOfferman]

Hey Peekaboo,

I just wanted to comment on this:

Originally Posted by Peekaboo

One thing I know is that I'm not sociable, I can't stand gossip and thrive on intellectual talk which other people have little interest in

This is all your perception. Being sociable doesn't equate to being gossipy and there are plenty of people who thrive on intellectual talk. If you choose the be lonely, then that is perfectly fine of course, but don't walk around blaming the rest of the world for it.

Because it is your choice, really, to be lonely or not.

Just as it is your choice to decide whether or not you will allow your mother's manipulations to affect you.

[Peekaboo]

Hi Jim

First of all I'm not going around blaming anyone for anything, you just made some assumption. What I said was what I had experienced and I made that clear in the first few sentences.
I would like to bet you that you can't go through an hour of talk with your buddies without mentioning someone else. Have you ever tried to do that? Try it, for most people it's harder than they've imagined. We've tried it with many of our friends as a joke and they admitted that they love gossip and that they can't wait to get their fill of it. Gossip is not bad, you make it sound like it's not well meaning, when all it is is sharing information about other people. That's fine, it's just that it bores me.
My mother's manipulations has nothing to do with you. I responded in honesty to the person who first posted this question and if you read the question properly you'll find that my response gave her an honest view of the way the genius people I know operate.
You know what? You don't need to go to gym to get a workout, you get enough by attacking people and jumping to conclusions!
I'm really baffled that you have the audacity to insinuate that I'm not happy. And if you have any psychological knowledge you'll know that you portray onto others what is exactly missing in your own life. So I hope YOU'LL be HAPPY JIMMY BOY.
Peekaboo

[JimOfferman]

Peekabo,

You read my advice and took it for a personal attack, which it was not.

I did not make any assumptions about you. I only pointed out that if you feel lonely, then you shouldn't be blaming others for it. Never once did I infer that you were unhappy.

That is, again, your perception at work.

[eblight]

My husband and I used to laugh when he told me that on IQ tests he was below the average intelligence. Yet, this was a highly intelligent man who navigated us in our yacht all over the Pacific, who was very creative in drawing and sculpture and who used to just blow me away with his ability to think in 3-D and create in woodwork what he could visualize. He was good at math and had taught himself to read despite the poor teaching he had at school. He was however, labelled dysletic and of course the IQ tests do not take that into consideration and people with this different way of learning are marginalized in education yet are very intelligent. So do intelligent tests just test a limited range of cognition?