Brilliant People Prefer To Be Alone, According To Science : The Hearty Soul

The psychology of happiness is a well-researched topic, and we now have a solid understanding of what generally makes people happy. Activities like dancing and enjoying nature can bring joy and calmness, while music and singing can lift our spirits. However, spending time with good friends is often considered the most effective way to induce happiness. Interestingly, a study by researchers Norman Li and Satoshi Kanazawa found that exceptionally intelligent people do not derive as much happiness from socializing as others. These individuals tend to be happier when they are alone more often [1].

In a survey of over fifteen thousand individuals aged 18 to 28, Li and Kanazawa discovered that being in dense crowds led to lower happiness levels, while spending time with friends resulted in greater happiness. This discrepancy may be explained by the Savannah Theory of Happiness, which suggests that life satisfaction is influenced by how our ancestors would have reacted to events, not just by the current circumstances [2].

Evolutionary psychologists propose that our brains may struggle to cope with the modern-day environment, especially with increased urbanization and fewer close relationships. However, highly intelligent individuals seem to be less affected by this phenomenon, as they possess different preferences and values compared to their ancestors [1].

“In general, more intelligent individuals are more likely to have ‘unnatural’ preferences and values that our ancestors did not have,” explained Kanazawa. “It is extremely natural for species like humans to seek and desire friendships and, as a result, more intelligent individuals are likely to seek them less.” [1]

While friendships are crucial for most individuals, highly intelligent people often find solace in solitude. This preference for alone time may be attributed to their aspirational and goal-oriented nature, which could be perceived as distracting or bothersome when in the company of others [3]. Further research is needed to understand the intricate relationship between intelligence and social behavior [2].

How Large Groups Affect Happiness

Examining the group sizes of ancient ancestors, the study shed light on how group dynamics impact happiness. Our brains evolved to function optimally in groups of around 150 individuals, a size comparable to hunter-gatherer groups and ancient villages. Larger groups tend to have a negative effect on those with average intelligence, while intelligent individuals show greater flexibility and adaptability in larger settings [2].

Friends Make Most of Us Happy

For the majority of individuals, quality friendships enhance life satisfaction through a sense of relatedness and shared experiences. The ancestral need for social bonds and alliances has ingrained in us a craving for companionship. However, highly intelligent people often find contentment in solitude due to their unique values and preferences [3].

Intelligence and Alone Time Does Not Necessarily Work in Reverse

The correlation between intelligence and alone time is complex and nuanced. While enjoying solitude does not automatically indicate high intelligence, nor does socializing signify lower intelligence. More research is required to unravel the intricacies of this relationship [2].

Whether you enjoy spending time alone or with others, it’s essential to find a balance that works for you. Embrace your preference for social interaction or solitude, as both can contribute to your overall well-being and personal growth.

This article was originally published May 23, 2020, and has since been updated.