10 phrases you’ll never hear a genuinely smart person use, according to psychology

There’s a clear distinction between those who merely sound smart and those who are genuinely intelligent.

It’s not just about what they say, but also what they don’t say. Psychology suggests that there are certain phrases you won’t hear from the lips of truly smart people.

So let’s explore these phrases that a genuinely smart person would never use, according to psychology.

1) “I know everything”

Genuine intelligence often comes hand in hand with humility.

Truly smart people understand that they can’t possibly know everything. They’re aware of the vastness of human knowledge and our individual limitations in grasping it all.

This understanding creates a sense of humility and an openness to new information. It fuels their curiosity and desire for continuous learning.

And that’s why you’ll rarely hear a genuinely smart person utter the phrase “I know everything”. They are more likely to say, “I don’t know, but I’d love to learn more about it.”

So, if you hear someone boasting about their comprehensive knowledge, psychology suggests they might not be as smart as they claim to be.

2) “That’s impossible”

In my experience, genuinely smart people rarely use the word “impossible.” They understand that the impossible is often just the untried.

I remember once, during a team brainstorming session at work, we were faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

While some members of the team were quick to say, “That’s impossible,” our team leader, whom I’ve always admired for her intelligence, countered with, “Let’s figure it out.”

Instead of shutting down the conversation, she ignited a spark of creativity in all of us. What seemed impossible at first turned into a problem-solving session that led us to innovative solutions we hadn’t considered before.

This personal experience taught me that genuinely smart people see challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. They don’t limit themselves or others with the word “impossible.”

Instead, they explore possibilities and seek solutions, fostering a positive and productive mindset.

3) “It’s not my fault”

Genuinely smart people typically avoid playing the blame game. They understand that mistakes are simply a part of life and often lead to valuable learning experiences.

Some believe that people with higher intelligence are more likely to take responsibility for their actions. They tend to say things like “I made a mistake” or “I could have done better” instead of shifting the blame onto others.

The willingness to accept responsibility reflects emotional intelligence, a trait often found in genuinely smart individuals. They understand that accepting mistakes is the first step towards improvement and growth.

So, if you want to sound smarter, consider owning up to your actions instead of pointing fingers. After all, nobody’s perfect, and we all have room for growth.

4) “I don’t need any help”

Intelligence isn’t synonymous with independence or isolation. In fact, smart people understand the value of collaboration and aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it.

They know that everyone has unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives. By seeking help, they not only solve a problem but also learn something new.

This doesn’t mean that they always depend on others. Instead, they strike a balance between self-reliance and collaborative problem-solving.

So, if you hear someone insisting, “I don’t need any help,” they might be missing out on the benefits of collective intelligence.

Remember, being smart doesn’t mean going it alone; it means knowing when to team up for the best results.

5) “This is how it’s always been done”

Genuinely smart people are often innovators and disruptors. They don’t merely accept the status quo; they question it.

They are not prone to using the phrase “This is how it’s always been done” as an excuse for not seeking improvement or change.

These individuals understand that progress requires challenging old methods and exploring new ways of doing things. They’re open to change and aren’t afraid to break from tradition if it leads to better results.

So, if you want to display genuine intelligence, don’t be afraid to question established norms. Embrace change and be willing to disrupt the status quo to improve.

6) “It’s all about me”

Genuinely smart people rarely say, “It’s all about me.” They understand that life is more than just their own experiences and achievements.

They value the contributions and successes of others. They realize that the world doesn’t revolve around them, and they appreciate the interconnectedness of our lives.

This trait often extends to their empathy and kindness towards others. They’re not just focused on their own path, but also the welfare of those around them.

So, if you ever hear someone saying, “It’s all about me,” you might want to question their true intelligence. Genuine smarts come with a sense of humility and an understanding that we’re all in this together.

7) “I don’t have time to read”

I’ve often heard this phrase, especially in our fast-paced world. But I’ve come to realize that a genuinely smart person is unlikely to say, “I don’t have time to read.”

Reading has always been a sanctuary for me, a place where I can learn, grow, and escape. It’s not just about gathering information; it’s about understanding different perspectives, experiencing new worlds, and gaining insights that can enrich our lives.

Smart people understand the invaluable benefits of reading. They make time for it because they know it’s an investment in their personal and intellectual growth.

So, no matter how busy life gets, carve out some time for reading. It’s a habit that can open doors and broaden horizons in ways you never imagined.

8) “I’m always right”

Curiously, the phrase “I’m always right” is something you’ll seldom hear from genuinely smart people. They understand that being right all the time isn’t just unlikely – it’s impossible.

Smart people are open to the idea of being wrong. They see it as an opportunity to learn something new and adjust their understanding. They value the truth more than their egos.

The next time you’re tempted to assert your infallibility, pause for a moment. Embrace the possibility of being wrong. It might just be the smartest thing you’ve ever done.

9) “I don’t need to write it down”

You might think that a smart person can remember everything without needing to jot things down.

However, the phrase “I don’t need to write it down” is rarely heard from truly intelligent people.

Smart individuals understand the value of recording thoughts, ideas, and information. They know that our brains, while powerful, can’t always retain every detail. Writing things down not only aids memory but also helps in organizing thoughts and generating new ideas.

Don’t underestimate the power of pen and paper. Whether it’s a shopping list or a million-dollar idea, writing it down can make all the difference.

10) “Failure is not an option”

Genuinely smart people understand that failure isn’t a dead end but a stepping stone to success. While the phrase “Failure is not an option” might sound motivational, it doesn’t reflect the reality of growth and learning.

True intelligence embraces the possibility of failure and views it as a valuable teacher. Through our missteps, we gain the knowledge and resilience to do better, grow, and ultimately succeed.

Smart people don’t fear failure; they learn from it. So, remember, it’s not about avoiding failure but about leveraging it for growth.

The crux: It’s all about growth

The phrases that genuinely smart people steer clear from are indicative of a growth mindset – a mindset that embraces challenges, seeks learning opportunities and strives for continual self-improvement.

As Albert Einstein once rightly said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Hence, the journey toward genuine intelligence is not about being right all the time or knowing everything but about embracing change, learning from failures and growing continually.

So next time you speak, remember it’s not just about sounding smart. It’s about reflecting the growth-oriented thought process that underlies true intelligence. And that’s a path we can all strive to tread.