By Charlotte Reid 
Have you ever met someone who seemed interesting at first, but then turned out to be not as intelligent as you thought? It would be great if there were a way to understand this from the outset, before we invest in a friendship, relationship or partnership.
According to philosopher Julian de Medeiros, a lecturer in political theory at the University of Kent, there is a simple behaviour that can reveal a person’s true level of intelligence. He explains topics in philosophy and self-knowledge in a way that is accessible to a wide audience.
In one of his recent videos, he raises a rather interesting question: one of the most obvious indicators of a lack of intelligence is the inability to take responsibility.
He refers to a quote by Ernest Bevin, a British politician who worked in the 1920s and 1940s:
‘People who have no brains always look for a scapegoat.’
If a person constantly blames others for their problems instead of engaging in self-analysis, they not only avoid responsibility but also block their personal development. As de Medeiros says:
‘A sign that a person is not very intelligent is that they constantly blame others. It is never their fault. It is always someone else’s fault.’
This behaviour is more common than we think. We see it in politics, in family relationships, at work — anywhere where people avoid acknowledging themselves and their mistakes.
De Medeiros emphasises that taking responsibility is a sign of high intelligence, as it requires self-analysis, awareness and a sincere desire to develop. An intelligent person is strict with themselves, analyses their mistakes and strives for improvement. Meanwhile, a less intelligent person always needs an ‘enemy’ to justify their decisions.
Psychology also supports this idea: self-awareness, the ability to reflect and self-criticism are indicators of developed intelligence. Even the need for solitude and the comfort of being alone with one’s thoughts are qualities inherent in people with high intelligence.
In essence, curiosity about oneself and one’s role in the world is a key feature of what psychologists call intrapersonal intelligence, one of the types of multiple intelligences identified by Howard Gardner. Along with interpersonal intelligence (the ability to understand others), it is closely related to emotional intelligence, a complex form of intelligence that goes beyond academic knowledge.
In another video, de Medeiros quotes the ancient philosopher Plutarch:
‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.’
He explains that intelligence is not measured by how well a person knows things by heart, but by their thirst for knowledge, curiosity, and desire to learn about the world beyond the obvious. Intelligence requires scepticism, critical thinking, and a willingness to question everything, including oneself.