Some interactions are intellectually and psychologically stimulating. Other times, you interact with someone and wonder if they ever learned basic common sense. Possessing smarts isn’t necessarily about using big words and reciting historical facts on a whim, but rather it’s how one carries oneself that indicates intelligence level.
Education (both in terms of “book” and “street” smarts) largely shapes our identity. While it’s a vague term, it implies that we have learned some basic problem-solving and interpersonal skills that can hopefully help us in the real world. It should help us make wise decisions, broaden our perspectives, and provide opportunities. It’s not hard to tell when you’re interacting with an educated individual who can think abstractly and vice versa.
Let’s explore the giveaways that someone could use a refresher in basic reasoning.
1. Obsession with Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories can be outrageous, and people often marvel (not in a positive way) at those who believe them. From Bigfoot to a hollow (or flat earth, conspiracy theories might also be a clue to someone’s lack of education or ability to think critically. One requires a certain degree of expertise and comprehension to assess conspiracy theories critically.
People who lack education or the ability to think critically could be more inclined to take these views at face value without challenging their accuracy. This may result in a distorted view of reality and suspicion of common sense. Don’t accept everything you read online; allow your brain to explore and find truth or loopholes in theories.
2. Lack of Proper Money Management
Schools should teach proper money management; if it isn’t taught, there are many avenues to get this education. Lack of proper money management skills can indicate poor financial literacy. People without proper education on managing their money will struggle to budget, save, and invest their money effectively.
Money makes the world go round, but your world will spin out of control if you don’t give your money direction. Lack of financial literacy can lead to financial insecurity, debt, and other financial problems that could have been avoided with proper education.
3. Over-relying on Horoscopes for Major Life Decisions
Have you seen someone make a major life change because the stars told them to? Over-reliance on horoscopes for major life decisions can indicate a lack of education or critical thinking skills. Horoscopes are not based on scientific evidence, and no evidence-based research does not support their predictions.
Horoscopes don’t give accurate or reliable information and are more likely to predict based on superstition. Some decisions require expert opinion, but checking and following your stars leaves no room for experts. A proper education helps people make informed decisions based on evidence and reason.
4. Being Ignorant of Basic Knowledge
The best part about education is learning crucial information and ideas that support people in navigating their daily lives. We get vital knowledge and skills for navigating life and being better humans. Sometimes, education gives you information for the sake of information—stuff that is just good to know.
A person’s deficiency in fundamental skills may indicate inadequate education. Poor reading and writing abilities or insufficient knowledge of common subjects (addition, multiplication, etc.) are signs of this.
5. Holding Beliefs That Don’t Change
Although having an unwavering conviction isn’t bad, being rigid in your beliefs and refusing to back down even when corrected is a sign of a lack of proper education. People may ask you to justify your beliefs, and critical thinkers would.
If someone holds onto a belief without considering other perspectives or evidence, it could suggest a lack of exposure to diverse viewpoints, which could result from inadequate education.
6. Improper Use of Grammar
The grammar police are all over social media, and they’re not wrong. Grammar is the foundation of any language, and a solid command of grammar rules is necessary to communicate effectively. When someone lacks this command, it can be a sign that they did not receive proper education in the language they are speaking or writing.
Did you know that proper grammar is often associated with intelligence and professionalism? Regularly making grammatical mistakes can give the impression that a person is careless or ignorant. This can be very harmful in professional contexts where precise communication and attention to detail are highly valued.
7. Difficulty in Expressing Ideas Coherently
A good education should help improve communication, allowing us to present ideas clearly and compellingly. People with little education may find it difficult to put their ideas into coherent sentences or arrange them rationally, which may make it difficult for them to communicate successfully in various settings.
Being unable to express oneself can hinder communication or even professional success—the ability to communicate fuels even social and interpersonal relationships.
8. Not Wanting to Learn More
Learning never ends; there’s always another chance to learn something new. A person with a good education knows curiosity is part of continued learning, and they will ask questions. A well-educated person understands the value of knowledge and is always curious to explore new ideas and perspectives.
On the other hand, someone who celebrates ignorance or lacks curiosity may not see the importance of expanding their knowledge. They may struggle to communicate effectively and make informed decisions. Some may even loudly announce their lack of knowledge, not caring how it makes them look.
9. Being Judgemental of Other People’s Accents
Knowing and being fluent in a language is wonderful, but judging other people who don’t speak it isn’t. Language isn’t necessarily a measure of intelligence, and judging people who speak your language with an accent speaks more about your education than theirs. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about developing empathy, respect, and an appreciation for diversity.
Someone with an education will understand that people come from different backgrounds and that accents are a natural part of that diversity. A judgmental person will struggle to communicate effectively or to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
10. Limited Exposure to Literature and Reading
Education fosters a love of reading and exposes people to various literary works. People who haven’t received proper education may not be interested in reading, which means they could miss out on the benefits of literature. If an individual seems limited in their ability to understand things, empathize with others, or even contribute to discussions, it may point to a lack of education.
Reading regularly offers cognitive benefits such as improved memory, concentration, and vocabulary. Those lacking education may miss out on these advantages, limiting their learning ability. Promoting literacy and encouraging regular reading can enhance individuals’ ability to learn and grow.
11. Limited Cultural Competence
People without an education may not know much about different cultures. Education helps people understand and respect various cultures’ customs, traditions, and viewpoints. Without this knowledge, people might act like their culture is the only one that matters.
Such a mindset can cause problems, such as misunderstandings or conflicts when people from different backgrounds interact with them. Education is important for learning to work together with people from diverse cultures.
12. Pretending to be an Expert
You read a blog about the solar eclipse, and suddenly, you’re an astrologer? That’s not how it works. Pretending to be an expert in a field implies that you possess knowledge and understanding that you do not actually have. This can indicate a lack of education in that specific area and a lack of honesty and integrity.
Acknowledging one’s limitations and areas of expertise is important to maintaining credibility and avoiding spreading misinformation. Furthermore, pretending to be an expert can hinder growth and development. Instead, you should admit to gaps in knowledge and seek out resources to fill those gaps.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
