Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist widely held to be one of the greatest and most influential scientists and thinkers of all time.
Above-and-beyond his landmark work in areas relating to energy and the powers of the atom, Einstein focused a great deal of time and attention on human intelligence and the propensity for an individual’s success.
He vehemently believed that the measure of intelligence is directly correlative the ability to change. He said, “If you’re not changing, you’re not growing. If you’re not growing, you’re not being intelligent. Humans thrive on change and expansion… yet there can be so many internal or external blocks to change.”
Ever the pragmatic scientist, Einstein had a habit of defining everything in sync with a mathematical formula. He wrote that Success = X + Y + Z, where X = work… Y = play… and Z = keep your mouth shut. Yes, he actually wrote “…keep your mouth shut!”
It’s certainly easy to understand the “work” and the “play” part but “keep your mouth shut” requires further investigation. Einstein was the first to tell people “We have two eyes, two ears and one mouth. Communication should be in that proportion.”
Albert Einstein always impressed people around him with his stellar knowledge and intelligence. They were also overwhelmed by what a great listener Professor Einstein was… always demonstrating to those around him he cared about what they had to say. He never talked over their head and never dominated the conversation with his intelligence. He asked profound questions and consistent with his philosophy… he shut up… and listened for their answers.
And so, how did the iconic “genius” define “genius?” Here are ten (10) qualities of smart people coming directly from the father of “E=mc2.”
- They make decisions intuitively.
Smart people listen to and follow their intuition. They know how intuition and insights come to them and tune in internally to make wise decisions.
- They are self-aware.
Smart people are aware of who they are… strengths, weaknesses, personality, values, etc. As Confucius once said, “He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.” Smart people know that the most important thing to know about is “self.”
- They use active reflection.
Smart people reflect on and learn from past experiences, finding out what works and what doesn’t, and then they adjust their course of action as needed.
- They think “out of the box.”
Smart people can easily understand new ideas, thoughts and ways of doing things. They crave progressive and forward thinking information, concepts and people. They come up with new and radical ideas on a regular basis. They are inventive and innovative.
- Have an open mind.
Smart people are open to different perspectives and see potential where most people don’t. They would agree with the quote, “The mind is like a parachute. It only works when it’s open.” They are comfortable with paradoxes and can relate to many sides of an issue or an opinion.
- They are responsive.
Smart people recognize and respond quickly to opportunities and people. They act and react fast and take care of what needs to be taken care of, well ahead of schedule.
- They understand limits.
Highly intelligent people are the first ones to say “I don’t know.” They are realistic about their assets, liabilities and deficiencies.
- They have a sense of humor.
Smart people tend to have a better sense of humor than those with less intelligence. Because highly intelligent people are better able to understand things and perceive social situations, they can quickly come up with jokes or a witty statement in a timely manner.
- They are risk takers.
Highly intelligent people do take risks. They are called “calculated risks” but they are risks nonetheless. Einstein often talked about the size of the reward was directly correlative to the size and scope of the risk.
- Question Everything.
Einstein’s quote says it all, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is never stop questioning.”
He was modest and brilliant. When asked about his very own intelligence, Einstein responded, “I have no special talent. I am just passionately curious.”
Albert Einstein once said, “Strive not to be of success, but rather to be of value.”
What a great and motivational thought… be of value.
Augusta Press columnist Ira Blumenthal is a business consultant, a best-selling author, educator and youth Lacrosse coach. Learn more about Ira and his latest book, Your Best Is Next, at www.IraSpeak.com. Follow Ira on instagram @irajblumenthal.
