If you think “nice” is just a synonym for “naive,” think again! According to one major brain expert, “goodness” is one of the greatest signs of intelligence. In other words, kind people are among the smartest of all. Read on to find out why!
Why Kind People are the Smartest of All
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out why kindness is a sign of intelligence, but that’s exactly what prompted this article. I recently read an interview with neuroscientist Richard Davidson about the link between kindness and intelligence. In it, he said, “the basis of a healthy brain is goodness.” His reasoning made a lot of sense and really got me thinking about why kind people are the smartest of all.
Davidson explains that kindness requires an ability to think not just of yourself, but of others as well. If you really consider it, that makes a lot of sense. After all, the very definition of intelligence is “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.” In other words, being smart isn’t just about memorizing random facts, but rather applying all of that knowledge to your daily life.
It doesn’t take much effort or skill to be selfish and mean, or to look down on others. To do only what you want even if it costs others what they need. Bacteria and viruses do it all the time, and they don’t even have brains. They want to replicate, so they do, even at the expense of their host.
On the flip side, kind people often do good things at a great personal sacrifice. They give up their own time, money, or something they really want so that someone else can have what they need. They are able to think and reason that doing something good helps make the whole world a better place rather than just their small piece of it.
Mean people tend to have lower levels of intelligence
Davidson isn’t the only expert who says that kind people are smarter. Numerous studies found that, overall, mean people have lower levels of intelligence. A Canadian study, for example, found that people who were racist and prejudiced tended to have lower IQs than people who are more accepting. While the study began as a way to discover why some people have certain political ideologies, it applies to both sides of the divide.
See, many experts believe that the reason that many people lean towards racism and prejudice has to do with their inability to adapt to change, another sign and symptom of a low IQ. Many sources attribute Stephen Hawkings with saying, “Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.” He actually wasn’t the first to say it, though (if he actually said it at all, that’s debatable). The quote dates back to at least as far as 1905. Whoever said it first, it couldn’t be truer.
Again, if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. The ability to accept change requires significant thought. We have to first understand why change is necessary. Then, we must let go of what we believed to be true. That’s incredibly difficult for even the smartest among us.
Finally, we have to come to the realization that while change is scary, ultimately it makes our lives and- at least in some cases- our entire world a better place. It’s perfectly natural to feel apprehensive about change and definitely not a sign of a “dull” mind. Fear of the unknown is practically written into our DNA. It’s the ability or refusal to embrace necessary change that separates the smart from the not-so-smart.
You don’t need a high IQ to be “smart” enough to be kind
In the interest of balance, studies do exist showing that people with super high IQs have a few less-than-savory traits. They tend to be more arrogant and incapable of seeing their own flaws, for example. Neither of those things is exactly a “nice” trait.
However, IQ tests are hardly the only (or even the best) judge of true intelligence, as more and more researchers are discovering. Many scientists recognize at least three types of intelligence, including emotional and social.
In fact, now’s probably a good time to make something crystal clear. When I say that goodness takes intelligence, I’m NOT talking about your IQ at all. I’m not even talking about your level of education. Honestly, those things have very little to do with how “smart” you are.
To me, the type of intelligence that we need for kindness has more to do with our ability to hone and use critical thinking skills. And I don’t mean “figuring out how to put a square peg into a round hole” or any of the other weird tasks they give you during IQ tests to determine your level of critical thinking. I mean the ability to truly think for yourself, to explore your own mind and passions, and to decide entirely on your own what type of person you want to be. Kind people share these characteristics.
Too many of the world’s nastiest people simply lack those things. They’re unable to think for themselves, either because they just never learned how to do so or because they don’t want to make the effort. They flat-out lack emotional intelligence, which in turn makes it hard for them to have empathy.
Emotional Intelligence is Vital to Success
Empathy- a major part of emotional intelligence- is actually so important that schools in Denmark teach it alongside math and reading. Kids spend one hour a week learning how to be kinder and more compassionate. Once again, it makes sense. Empathy is, above all else, the ability to understand the feelings of others. Understanding what others are feeling takes significantly more brain power than memorizing facts and spitting them back out on command.
Of course, as with all things, there are exceptions to both rules. Some people with high IQs aren’t exactly the kindest. Just like some people with very low IQs are incredibly compassionate. I’d argue again, though, that intelligence is about so much more than how well you score on a single test. Showing kindness to others, taking their feelings into consideration, and adapting well to change even when it scares you are true marks of brilliance. Kind people are the smartest.
Daniela Boßmann says
Hi Ursula,
this article was just what I needed today. Thank you so much! It all make`s so much sense.
Can I ask you where your Name Comes from? I am from Germany. The name is very common there. Have a blessed day, super article.
Daniela
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you! My name comes from Germany yes! I am from Peru but my parents lived in Germany and loved the name 🙂
Daniela Boßmann says
Hi Ursula, Thank you for your answer. Did you know that the short name or nickname for Ursula is Uschi : )
Jen says
I’m in the process of trying to educate a friend on emotional intelligence. He keeps loosing jobs cause he can’t read cues. He doesn’t understand his effect on others with his large ego.
Jacky says
My son with Aspergers stuggles with this as well.
Becky Nation says
Wow! This spot-on wisdom is so beautifully written! I’ll be passing it on, especially to my sangha that is studying Sharon Salzberg’s book Lovingkindness. I will be sharing on FB to spread your incredible insights to as many as I can reach. Namaste, beautiful spirit.
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you.
Muhammad says
Very interested articles.
My Quention is how can you change someone’s mind I mean attitude from doing something worng and how can you study someone’s mind ?
Frankie G. Miller says
If you can be anything in the world … Be kind.🤓
Creative Healthy Family says
Agree!
Cheryl Baker says
I agree!. You might cgange someones life albiet sympathy or a sincere act of kindness.
Reeeeeeee says
I think that the world will change big time if you act kind each day
Creative Healthy Family says
Agree!
Katharine says
The day when everyone realizes that intelligence is not measurable is the day that we will live in a better world. Intelligence is as unique and diverse as our physical appearances.
A healthy society require a diversity of intelligence. Unfortunately, we glorify certain intelligences over others
Creative Healthy Family says
Agree. Thanks for sharing.
Judy Jones says
Wonderful article! Thank you!
Miriam says
Thank you !! It made my day!
Creative Healthy Family says
Glad to know you enjoyed the post.
tins17 says
Thank you for sharing such wisdom.
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you for reading my article.
Gina Oh says
Excellent article!!!
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you!
Nina says
I agree too with this article, thank you.
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you.
TULAY ATAY says
hi ursula
perfect piece of writing
just needed
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you for your comment.
Ellen Pasch says
I would love to have a copy of thos article. Excellent read.
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you.
Crystal White says
Very good article! Thank you!
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you!
Nettie says
This one of my favorite pieces of reading I have done in my lifetime. Simple, straight to the point and fulfilling my touching! Thank you
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you so much for your comment.
Katie says
Always a joyful experience reading these wonderful posts.
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you so much for your kind comment.
PAULA TULKENS says
This is a great post! Thank you very much!
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you for reading my post 🙂
linda byramjee says
what a GREAT article !! you have demonstrated what i used to tell my adult children when they were growing up and that is “attitude will get you further than aptitude any day.”
Creative Healthy Family says
Thank you so much for your comment.
JustinT. says
This says it all:
“Showing kindness for others, taking their feelings into consideration, and adapting well to change even when it scares you…”
As a father of two under the age of 9, this past year has challenged our family (to say the least). It’s been those 3 principles that have gotten us through some of the most difficult moments.
Thanks for your insight!
Mustafa says
Good work, an interesting perspective of looking at once level of intelligence.
Ginny Q says
Thank you, Ursula for this interesting and insightful piece; glad to have come across it. Hope to read up on more various topics you may post.
RUTH WALKER says
This was a excellent article. It does.take so little to be kind to one another. It is not only IQ that matters, it is just common knowledge if we are kind in thought and deed, it just comes flowing back. Thank you
Mindy says
Mean people can kindly eff off, themselves, because kind people are only getting stronger and wiser. Thank you for this brilliant article!