Intelligent People

Intelligent People

I have always had this idea that being smart usually comes down to one characteristic. Some people may argue that intelligence is defined by having a large pool of knowledge or high raw computing power (in humans). However, I believe those are only the aftereffects of being smart.

When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to attend one of the best schools in my country. The students there were considered the cream of the crop and likewise I was enough to be part of them. Before entering that upper high school level (Form 4 and 5), I studied in a regular lower high school (Form 1 to 3). During that time, I was considered one of the top students in my school. I was praised, given various nicknames, and one of them was "nerd" which was accurate because I was one, and I still am this today. However, everything changed when I entered that elite environment. Compared to everyone else there, I was just average. Honestly, I even felt below average among them. But that was not the important part. The important part was the experience of being surrounded by a new herd of people and observing the common traits actually shared.

I discovered one thing that many people often overlook.

The thing that makes them smart is not mainly genetics, background, or opportunities. It is speed.

Smart people do not just have the ability to learn quickly and effectively. Their learning methods may varied and that is a topic for another time. The consistent pattern I noticed among them was the speed at which they learned things before they were required to. When we talk about being smart, it is usually relative to the people around us, people at the same level, age or experience.

For example, imagine that in January, the topic everyone is expected to learn is arithmetic and in February its algebra. If you start learning algebra in January, you already have an advantage. While others are just beginning to understand the concept in February, you have already spent time making mistakes and building familiarity. By the time everyone reaches the same topic, you are already ahead. This concept can applies directly to the workplace (as long as smart is needed which i doubt will change). If you can identify where your field is heading, learn it before everyone else does. By doing so, you create an advantage over time. Some people may question why they should spend extra effort learning future skills when they are only being paid for their current responsibilities.

The answer is simple, its that is what it takes to stay ahead.

Lets put another example, if the future of your industry relies on AI agents then start building projects with AI agents before they become a common requirement. When the trend arrives, you will not be someone who is just starting to learn. You will already have experience and contributions that others are still trying to build. From an outside perspective, it may look like you suddenly learned faster than everyone else or that you have a large pool of knowledge or high raw computing power. However, the reality is that you started earlier.

Being ahead creates advantages, but it requires the willingness to invest before there is an immediate reward.

Hopefully, one day when I forget this idea, I can come back and read this again.