Has anybody else noticed that there is a correlation between beauty and intelligence?

Question

By correlation, I mean a positive correlation, ie. the more intelligent a person is the more likely it will be that they are also attractive.

Most of the time, at least. I realise there are bound to be exceptions.

This is something that I've observed for quite some time now, and several of my friends agree. However, this is just a speculation, and I could be completely wrong.

Is anyone able to explain why this may or may not be true, and why?

Much appreciated!

I realise that "beauty" is subject to opinion and objectively incommensurable, but in this case I'm referring to physical attractiveness and aesthetic appeal.

Having posited this to google I've found several research articles that supports this hypothesis, and I can think of many examples amongst my real life acquaintance to confirm this.

*acquaintances

I emphasise most, not all of the time. Rare examples such as Einstein and Stephen Hawking are not particularly compelling in disputing this.

Answer 1

I would think the opposite is true; not for biological reasons but inherently. A similar study that showed younger siblings are on average, have lower IQ's than their older siblings. That might have to do with nurturing and learning through observation rather than learning through positive reenforcement of an action and positive reenforcement of inquisitiveness. What I'm saying is, being pretty might be easier in some small areas of life requiring less work. The old adage that pain and suffering builds character (or insanity.)

Answer 2

Many responders seem to be indignent that you can even think of such a question. But it's true! Over all, more intelligent men are more powerful, and more powerful men marry more beautiful women. The child is a combination of both. You'll see a lot a beautiful people in upper class - where intelligence (but also brutality) matters, and these men go for the beautiful women from whatever class. Beautiful women in lower classes are more likely to marry into a higher class. The less beautiful are only found attractive as long as they stay in their class. I have seen this myself: friends in the village where I grew up (lower class) find almost any girl attractive. NB: Beauty is not subjective; there are some universal standards of beauty, although not everybody likes to admit. NB; The most famous (and ugly) geniuses have had to work harder throughout their lives, right because they didn't have the looks. Becoming a famous genius is also the result of hard work.

Answer 3

.No, sorry I haven't noticed any correlation between the two. I think the better educated a person is, the better they can appear to others, but I have seen may who are just as attractive with little education. I also believe many who are poorly educated, have more common sense then those with the education. They don't necessarily go hand in hand.

Answer 4

yes actually, i have heard of at least a small correlation between intelligence (I'm not sure which kind they referred to but probably the kind traditionally tested for on IQ tests) and symmetry. I think the stats may have to do with those with physical abnormalities and diseases that affect attractiveness, may also affect intelligence, ie. trisomy 21. It's such a loose generalization though, you could hardly make any judgments on a person's intelligence just by looking.

Also, in my intro to human development class (admittedly not the best source) it was mentioned that people tend to perceive those they find attractive as more intelligent.

Answer 5

Hmmm... No, I've never noticed that.. I've always noticed that the unattractive guys and girls weren't as smart as those that were less attractive. And haven't you ever heard people say that others think they are dumb because they are so beautiful... which is a dumb thing to say. Anyway, beauty has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence. There are many...many unattractive smart people in this world...

Answer 6

I don't think it's true. Most of the really intelligent people I know are by no means really attractive.
In your case, with the people you have observed, perhaps smart people make more money and could therefore afford to take better care of their appearance. You know, fancy creams, plastic surgery, healthier diet.

Answer 7

No. If this were true, I would be much better looking. ;)

Seriously, look at Einstein, Hawkings, Fermi, Roentgen, Newton and Pascal. I'm not criticizing or making fun of these guys but does anyone seriously think their physical beauty was in proportion to their intelligence?

Answer 8

Not at all, this is a misplaced observation, lucky you if you are both beauty and brains...but this is not always the case..many girls are born with beauty. but empty in the head,many are full in the head, but empty in looks, but mostly are the average already...God teases people you know, He will not give it to everyone, as I said, you are blessed, not even lucky...if you are born with both blessings...But you know what, girls who are simple looking becomes more beautiful as they display their wits and their intelligence..especially with the way they talk, and act intelligibly......wow you will be mazed...this is not true only with females but males too...really being intelligent and smart is a saving grace, a bonus from God if you are also beautiful!!!.......... I am blessed!!!

Answer 9

I'm not sure if this is true with men, but I think it is with women, with some "dumb blonde" exceptions. Also, better looking people are more successful in life, so their better looking children will have a better start in life, get a better education, and also be more successful.

It is also possible that the better looking people aren't really smarter, but just that they are more successful financially and that makes them seem smarter even if they aren't.

Answer 10

I would tend to think they are indeed, completely unrelated.

In my experience, It's completely random.

You could be the most beautiful person on earth, but still be outwitted by a bag of hammers.