People with high IQs don’t just think differently—they communicate differently too. While intelligence isn’t just about what you know, it’s also about knowing what not to say. Highly intelligent people tend to steer clear of certain topics, not because they don’t have opinions, but because they understand the hidden costs of discussing them.
Whether it’s avoiding unnecessary drama, sidestepping pointless arguments, or simply knowing when silence is the smarter move, people with above-average intelligence tend to be selective about their conversations.
So what are the topics they almost never bring up? Here are seven things highly intelligent people avoid talking about—and why.
1) Personal achievements
One might think that people with higher than average IQs would be eager to showcase their accomplishments. However, this is rarely the case.
These individuals are often more interested in learning and progressing rather than boasting about their personal achievements. They understand that their successes are just one aspect of who they are and not the whole picture.
This is not to say they hide their accomplishments, rather they find no necessity in using them as conversation starters or tools to impress others. After all, they’re more focused on challenging their intellect and expanding their knowledge base, instead of seeking validation.
I’ve noticed that these intelligent folks prefer engaging in deep, meaningful conversations over superficial ones revolving around personal glories.
Don’t be surprised if a high-IQ individual you meet at a social gathering steers clear of discussing their achievements. They’re probably more interested in discussing the latest scientific breakthrough or philosophical conundrum. But remember, it’s always about the exchange of ideas, not a display of intellectual prowess.
2) Gossip
Here’s a personal example from my life. Over the years, I’ve shared numerous cups of coffee with folks from all walks of life. One common thread I’ve noticed among people with higher than average IQs? They generally avoid engaging in gossip.
I recall a particular gathering where everyone was engrossed in discussing the latest celebrity scandal. However, my friend Sarah, a renowned physicist with an IQ off the charts, remained noticeably silent. When asked for her opinion, she gently steered the conversation towards a recent technological advancement that she believed could revolutionize our daily lives.
She wasn’t being dismissive or condescending; she simply preferred to engage in more stimulating and constructive conversations. This tendency, I’ve found, is a common trait among individuals with high IQs. They choose to invest their mental energy in topics that inspire growth and learning rather than indulging in idle chatter about others’ lives.
3) Material possessions
Material possessions, especially luxury goods, are often seen as status symbols in our society. There’s a common perception that the more you have, the more successful you are. However, when it comes to high-IQ individuals, this is not usually their measuring stick for success.
This might be just my personal experience, but I’ve noticed that people with higher IQs tend to place less importance on material goods. They are more likely to value experiences, knowledge and personal growth over the accumulation of possessions.
This doesn’t mean they shun all material comfort. Rather, they don’t see it as a primary goal or a topic worth spending time discussing. Their conversations are more likely to revolve around ideas, theories, and shared experiences than the latest designer brands or luxury cars. It’s not about what they own; it’s about what they know and how they grow.
4) Negativity
Another topic high-IQ individuals tend to avoid is negativity. These people are typically very aware of the impact that negative thoughts and discussions can have on their mindset and overall well-being.
Negativity, whether it’s complaining about a difficult situation or dwelling on past mistakes, seldom leads to productive outcomes. Intelligent people understand this and choose to focus their energy on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
They steer clear of unnecessary drama and strive to maintain a positive environment. This doesn’t mean they ignore reality or difficult situations. Instead, they approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, focusing on what can be done to improve the situation rather than wallowing in the issue. This forward-thinking approach is a hallmark trait of high-IQ individuals and an integral part of their communication style.
5) Their own intelligence
While it might seem counterintuitive, many highly intelligent people avoid discussing their own intelligence. I can attest to this based on my own experience.
In high school, I was part of a gifted program. It was a tightly-knit group of students who excelled acadically and had scored highly on IQ tests. However, our shared intelligence was a topic we rarely discussed.
Why? Because we understood that there was so much more to each of us than our IQ scores. We were musicians, athletes, artists, and volunteers. Our intelligence was just one aspect of our identities, not the defining factor.
Similarly, in conversations today, people with high IQs often steer clear of discussing their intelligence. Not because it’s something they’re ashamed of or trying to hide, but because they recognize that it’s only one component of who they are as individuals. They prefer to let their thoughts, ideas, and actions speak for themselves rather than leaning on an IQ score for validation or recognition.
6) Unsubstantiated opinions
People with higher than average IQs tend to avoid conversations that are based purely on unsubstantiated opinions. They prefer to engage in discussions where ideas and thoughts are backed by facts, studies, or credible sources.
This is not to say they don’t value personal experiences or anecdotes. Rather, when it comes to making assertions or forming opinions, they typically rely on evidence and logic. They appreciate well-rounded discussions where different perspectives are supported by sound reasoning and data.
In their view, conversations should be a means to learn, grow, and broaden horizons rather than echo chambers of baseless claims. This commitment to intellectual integrity is a characteristic trait of individuals with high IQs, making their conversations all the more enriching and insightful.
7) Irrelevant details
The most essential thing to understand is that individuals with high IQs value their time and mental energy. They tend to avoid discussing irrelevant details or getting lost in the weeds of unnecessary specifics.
Their focus is on the big picture and the underlying principles or ideas. They believe in cutting through the noise to get to the heart of the matter, whether it’s a complex theoretical concept or a practical problem-solving scenario.
Remember, it’s not about being dismissive or aloof. It’s about efficient communication, streamlined thinking, and making the most out of every conversation.
