Some believe intelligence leads to unhappiness, arguing that less intelligent people are happier because they don’t grasp complex issues, have lower standards, and are less selective socially. However, research contradicts this. Studies show people with higher IQs report greater happiness, while those with lower IQs often face socioeconomic disadvantages, poorer health, and increased psychological distress—factors that contribute to lower happiness.
While intelligence can be improved, doing so requires effort. One effective, more accessible way to grow smarter—and potentially happier—is by becoming more open. Openness, defined as curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and experiences, is strongly linked to intelligence. Unlike other personality traits that are harder to change (like neuroticism or extroversion), openness is relatively easy to develop and has a meaningful impact on intellectual growth.
Being open means letting go of rigid certainty and being willing to change your mind. Research shows that people who adapt and revise their thinking perform better and are often more successful. Intelligence and wisdom lie not in being right, but in seeking truth and growth. By embracing openness, individuals can learn more, experience more, and form deeper connections—all of which contribute to a more fulfilling, and potentially happier, life. This post is a summary of the article written in Inc. Magazine.
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