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Liz Buechele

How Can You Tell if Somebody is Smart? (#44): Questions for Children & Adults Alike Series

A friend shared an article from the Huffington Post entitled “50 Eye-Opening Questions to Ask Your Grandchildren.” In reading the piece, I realized it could serve as inspiration for this childless 30-year-old. It would be a good exercise for me… for all of us. So here’s to a new series of questions. I’m going to pick my favorites and share over the coming months. May you also be inspired to reflect deeply on your own answers. 


Question: How can you tell if somebody is smart?


As a child, I would have had clear indicators for this. Do they pay attention in school? Are they a “good student?” If we’re watching a cliche movie, are they… wearing glasses?!


I realize now it’s not that simple. 


In general, now, I just assume that everybody is smart. We’re just all smart in different directions.


I think we do ourselves a terrible disservice when we compare our intelligence. My knowing more about the United States Postal Service had nothing to do with you and the fact that your brain is filled with the most beautiful collection of stories and memories and information that is relevant and meaningful to your gorgeously unique life. 


I was a school kid through and through. In third grade, I did so much “optional homework” that when I won a prize from the toy chest (and chose a teddy bear with a party hat) it made perfect sense that I named him Optional. 


But I know so many brilliant people who had an entirely different experience with their formal education. That is a reflection of the system not working for them—not of their intelligence. And I think it’s extremely important for people like me—the “good students” who loved school—to be clear about that. 


I’m writing this post from a busy coffee shop and as I look around at my Saturday morning neighbors, I know beyond any doubt that everyone here could teach me something. And how beautiful is that?


The moment you realize that anyone (and anything) can be a teacher is the moment your education truly begins. 


So how can I tell if somebody is smart? I know on impact. 


How beautiful life is. To be surrounded by so much thoughtful intelligence. In everyone. In everyone.



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