People With True Intellectual Curiosity Usually Say 7 Phrases In Casual Conversation
PeopleImages | ShutterstockPeople who are intellectually curious like engaging in conversations that expand their minds. Since they enjoy learning for the sake of learning, they usually use specific language when talking.
These individuals are natural students, even outside of the classroom, and take on a scholarly role within a discussion. When in conversation, their intellectual curiosity typically means they're rich with questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.
You can tell someone is intellectually curious if they say these phrases in casual conversation:
1. 'What is that?'
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Curious people are constantly asking the five Ws. They want to know who, what, when, where, and why. At first, it might sound like they're pressing you with questions to grill you or because they're nosy. But really, the learning that they engage in is for pure joy.
Those who are intellectually curious may want to know 'why' or 'what', but that doesn't mean they're going to use the information against you afterward. They just like to have all the information because it's important to them to see all sides of a story.
2. 'Explain to me'
Those who are naturally intellectually curious feel a strong drive to know a bit about everything. They want to know the ins and outs of our world. They view practices and opinions that differ from their own with very little judgement. So if someone has a different perspective, they'll often ask that person to explain to them why.
This isn't to challenge anyone. If someone is truly intellectually curious, they'll consider your solution with just as much respect as they give their own. Not only will they listen, but they'll prompt you to give your input. They're curious to explore the aspects of life that they may know little to nothing about, including the way other people's minds think.
3. 'Did you know...'
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If you've ever had a friend (or maybe you were the friend) that'd always drop fun facts, prompted or not, then you know what it's like to be around intellectually curious people.
Not only do these individuals love to learn as much as possible, but they enjoy sharing their learnings with their loved ones. This habit is a way of expressing their love. Since they enjoy fun tidbits of information, they'll share them with you as a way of showing they care.
4. 'Why do you feel that way?'
Intellectually curious people are sometimes thought to be more in touch with their head than their heart. But don't be so quick to label them as non-empathetic. Truly curious minds tend to be very observant, which can make them great friends. When they notice someone's body language seems off, they'll keep that same inquisitive behavior and ask what's wrong.
Even though they may be full of questions, they certainly don't dominate conversations. Intellectually curious people are great at practicing active listening, which is grounded in the idea of focusing on the speaker entirely and asking follow-up questions. Not only does this help them gain new perspective, it makes the people who interact with them feel seen.
5. 'Let's figure it out'
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Curious people make great problem-solvers and natural-born leaders. That curiosity is the driving force that keeps them working out a problem, even if it seems like there's no end in sight, which is why you'll often hear them say it's time to figure things out.
Intellectually curious people like to sit down and work out all of the kinks, often taking on a helping role even when the problem does not regard them. They are great to collaborate with in challenging situations because they tend to be open to many different routes.
6. 'What do you think about...'
People with intellectual curiosity crave deep conversations, which is why they are such excellent conversationalists. They are willing to listen to your opinion without getting frustrated, as they are sound in their own thinking. Instead of feeling threatened by someone else's intelligence, they view it as something to learn from.
Curious minds don't shy away from a deep discussion, even if it turns serious. Since they're more driven by logic than emotion, they rarely judge and are open to talking about even the hard things.
7. 'I don't know yet'
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A great trait of intellectually curious people is that they're not scared of uncertainty. As much as they love to share what they do know, they are also happy to admit what they don't know, too. Curious people don't link ignorance with stupidity. They take it as an opportunity to be taught and expand their existing knowledge.
By admitting when they don't know something, they're able to learn. And those who are willing to swallow their pride and admit they are not always right or certain are more likely to engage in positive social interactions.
Gabrielle Mattes is a writer working towards a Creative Writing degree. Her focus is lifestyle, wellness, human interest, and relationships.
