Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know,” Ernest Hemingway. It turns out that indeed many deep thinkers and exceptionally intelligent individuals simply fail to be happy.
They may have a successful job, loving family, and a true love, but, there is still something that makes them discouraged and sad now and again.
Well, here are 6 potential reasons why intelligent people cannot find happiness:
1. Intelligent people overanalyze everything
People with high level of intelligence tend to over-analyze things and situations, which fills their brain with many thoughts at once. This can be quite draining, particularly when the thinking processes lead to frustrating conclusions.
The less you think and analyze things, the more carefree and happy you are. There is indeed no point in thinking about global issues, timeless dilemmas, or philosophical matters, most of which simply have no solutions.
2. Intelligent people have high standards
Intelligent people have high standards and don’t settle for anything less than they want. Consequently, it is more difficult for them to be content with their relationships, achievements, and everything else in their life.
In addition to this, they often have idealistic views on the world, which in turn makes them disappointed when their expectations meet the raw reality of life.
3. Intelligent people are too hard on themselves
Yet another reason why smart people cannot find happiness is that they are too hard on themselves, often analyzing their actions and behavior in quite a rigorous manner. Sometimes, they might recall a past situation out of the blue and criticize themselves for not reacting the way they should have. Such flashbacks of past mistakes lead to negative emotions like guilt and discontent, which eventually spoil their happiness.
4. Reality is not enough
People with high level of intelligence always seek something bigger- a purpose, a meaning, a pattern. Reality is boring for them and they always crave for something idealistic, eternal, and fantastic. Needless to say, they never find this in reality! This is the reason why they often feel like they don’t belong here, and of course, feeling like a stranger makes it impossible for them to be happy and content.
5. Lack of deep communication and understanding
Being understood by someone and sharing the same views of the world with them is one of the best experiences of every human being.
Unfortunately, intelligent people are often misunderstood and alone, feeling like no one sees the depth of their minds.
It has been scientifically shown that in order to be happy, those with high level of intelligence need less socialization compared to those with average levels of intelligence. This doesn’t mean that they don’t need a good conversation, but rather prefer to discuss meaningful things as opposed to food, weather, or other trivial things.
6. Many people with a high IQ suffer from psychological problems
Multiple studies relate psychiatric disorders like bipolar and social anxiety with high intelligence levels. Science is still unable to resolve the mysteries of the human mind, but it is possible that these conditions are a potential side effect of having a creative and brilliant mind.
In addition to this, even those who don’t suffer from any mental disorder are prone to depression, given that they tend to overthink and over-analyze things. Excessive thinking causes them to reflect on life and death, which in turn makes them sad for no reason.
Sources:
https://truththeory.com/2017/06/04/6-reasons-intelligent-people-fail-happy
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