I think intelligent people find intelligence attractive. Firstly, because they are astute enough to recognize intelligence in others, and secondly, because of simple evolutionary theory, we try to choose (whether consciously or subconsciously) mates that will produce ideal offspring who will someday be attractive to a mate as well. In more simple terms, I think we also find intelligence attractive because it's stimulating, interesting, and admirable. Maybe that's all there is to it.

Some people are jealous of other peoples intelligence, but that's usually only someone belonging to the same sex as you. Men like intelligent women and women like intelligent men because sometimes them too are intelligent themselves and those who are not very intelligent don't understand the ones that are intelligent, so when a woman is attracted to an intelligent man, she is most probably intelligent herself and vice-versa. Most of the time I just find people telling me to shut the **** up.

because smart chicks are HOT

I don't know the exact physiological reason for it but I can tell you that it has been my weakness for as long as I can remember. Intelligent, stimulating, conversation turns me on more than anything else. Once again Jodie, GREAT question! :D

Intelligence is something that you are born with, an education can't ever give you intelligence, because education is just the law. You don't have to know the square root of 1600, because as said, you learn that via education. You can't learn how to be intelligent.

I don't know really... But I find a really smart guy hotter than a really hot guy any day of the week! I honestly never thought about why though?

Usually intelligent people only attract other intelligent people lol. no one wants to have a ignorant person as their partner, especially as a life partner. But people grow intelligent with age and experience, thats why we all make mistakes when we are young and learn from them, eventually becoming more and more intelligent. It shows maturity.

First, really interesting question! I am not certain that we all do. If you think of the present election, it seems that "eloquence" and smartness are often thought to be indicators that the candidate is detached from the people. As for me, I think intelligence that is applied to witty conversation quickly moves from the realm of engaging to enjoyable to attractive to downright sexy! I also wonder whether male and female perceptions on this differ!

Intelligence is like this special key that opens up many doors to opportunity in life. I had to check out my good friend, dictionary.com, to find other buzz words that had such a magnetic appeal. In doing this, I made a rather interesting discovery. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/intelligence I was struck by how each definition was constructed the same way. A very meaningful noun followed by a series of attributes in a prepositional phrase. I am not trying to be a grammarian here. My point is, "capacity", "manifestation", "faculty", "knowledge," and "gathering" are highly functional concepts. Someone intelligent, posessing these attributes, is a mover and shaker. Someone who gets things done. Someone who can grasp, absorb, and dynamically respond to life around them. It is fiercely attractive to admire and respect someone. Those aforementioned terms say so much. What am I looking for in a significant other? The *capacity* to love, understand, and grow. The *manifestation* of love in action - of getting things done - forward moving - fruition. The *faculty* to appreciate classiness, maturity, and empathy. The ability to acquire and apply *knowledge* via education, common sense, and an in-tuned sense of personal growth. And, finally, the *gathering* of all these very special, unique gifts into a collective whole that is fully conscious. Such a person gives off an aura so strong that it almost feels like a physical quality. The prepositional clauses that follow these lofty words give insight about how intelligence reaches out to touch and interact with the outside world - ideas, truths, people, meaning. People project who they are. True intelligence is so attractive because it radiates a sense of someone that makes him/ her almost glow.

I personally can't put a finger on why that is. I know for me, an intelligent mate requires far less patience, although they may be higher maintenance. If that makes any sense at all. There is a sense of "security" (for lack of a better word). I also think intelligence with modesty is a sign of grace and wisdom. In the long run, though, intelligence as an attractant is probably a function of evolution. Before TV and Playstation came along, we were always trying to "breed up". It worked out very nicely for me, because if we were required only to select mates that are smarter than we are, I had a very, very wide field to choose from.

Great question, Jodie! Physical attraction is a plus. But I find being able to have an intelligent, stimulating conversation with someone is attractive as well. I mean no offense, but trying to converse with someone who isn't too bright is very frustrating.

Because pretty packaging only peaks your interest until the gift is unwrapped...then there needs to be something of substance inside to attract and hold your attention.

It is widely accepted that intelligence is a trait that is passed down through the generations and the degree to which the intelligence quotient (IQ) is dependent on the genetic background has been extensively researched. Thus, it is believed that genetics can account for 75% of your adult intelligence, with the cultural environment being responsible for the remaining 25%. Intelligence may be attractive to the opposite sex but hardly ever to the same sex. Intelligent people are usually not liked and are attacked just because they have a higher IQ + culture which usually make them a high subject of jealousy and envy. I personally admire and recognize intelligent people. Thank you for an excellent question.

I wish I had an answer to that, but all I can say is that I know what I like.

because stupidity, ignorance, idiots, ect. push us away.

it's in such short supply and, evolutionarily, intelligence is a characteristic that increases the likelihood that offspring will thrive.

Intelligence always illuminates our minds with new ideas, creative opportunities, the wisdom of the ages, and helpful, hopeful solutions for our problems.

Unfortunately, that is not true of all of us. We voted for "the decider" 'cause he was a guy we'd like to have a beer with. Many don't like Obama because he is intelligent. It is very sad that we don't want to learn things..even if they are things with which you don't agree.. we should not be afraid of smart people or different ideas...but that is the way of the world! Happy Saturday, Jodie! :)

I'm not sure that statement is true. If you follow the current Presidential campaign, it's fairly obvious we (Americans) find slander, gossip, misinformation and ignorance a LOT more attractive than intelligence. Then that's not quite accurate either. We may, in fact, find intelligence attractive. We're just not keen on APPLYING intelligence.

I think its because in reality, we are intelligence as spirits or souls, not as in the physical body, (although the physical presence also is a highly stimulative force,) ultimately its the intelligence of another that we interact with ,the light that shines to us, tunes us in............... :)

Edited - Unsure - Imprinting in my view - partially from childhood. As we began to crawl, speak, communicate our parents expressed love and reward. Then onto potty-training, learning to speak then later to read and write. Then once school began came the all important teacher reports, and then report card which in a young child's mind the all important expression of acceptance, an love that was suddenly not so unconditional. As very young kids move into the age where punishments and discipline are implemented, as well as praise and reward we begin to see the value as young children of the importance in pleasing people and gaining acceptance, and with learning accomplishments praise, attention, and reward, then the report cards the GPA's the SAT's the college acceptance or denial letters, in my case the MFCC or now MFT exams then my MCAT then my letter from Northwestern.... Lots of pressure until I learned to only follow my truth and happiness. In my 3rd grade class kids were put into 3 groups based on their levels of advanced learning. I was a bright lil boy so I was in the top group as a " Blue Snoopy's ". My teacher was proud of me and asked me to sit with the lowest group as a role model but I thought I was being demoted and a partial meltdown ensued inconsolable for about an hour until I finally got it. Good article I found from Northwestern .. You know those Northwestern folks are SMART !!! HA ! :) Check out " Glasses are the new Lamborghinis " http://www.northbynorthwestern.com/2008/10/12438/news-flash-smart-people-are-sexy/ Good Question Miss Jodie !! Matt

Because it ultimatley drives the forces that ensure our future generations with the best chance of survival.

I find it attractive because it opens up many avenues of conversation and curiosity about many subjects. Keeps things from getting boring.

because stupidity gets old real fast. that blank stare is only cute for a day or two.

I dunno, mybe it's because it's hard to sleep with someone who is wearing a paper burger king crown, drooling on themselves and poops their pants

Because we are, by nature, intelligent beings. Because, like all things considered universally attractive in all human beings, it's a survival skill (smart people were more likely to pass their smart genes to their offspring, to better perpetuate the species). Because, as intelligent beings, we require stimulation in our interactions, or we get bored. Besides, what's the alternative? What could possibly be attractive about stupidity?

Smart is sexy. Women have the tendency to be attracted to men who are intelligent, as well as repulsed by guys who are just a dim bulb. Of more importance than the physical intelligence factors are the emotional ones. Women key in on this trait and if you're lacking in the emotional intelligence quota, they will sense that right out of the chute.

we dont

having an interest in learning new facts makes us more alive and more fun to be with.

In today's society it seems more people are threatened by intelligence than attracted to it. The intelligent are now labeled 'elitist'.

It's desire. The desire to learn something knew. Thats what makes intelligence attractive to ME anyways. ;)

For anyone with a modicum of intellect, another intellect is very interesting to talk to. Gotta have SOMETHING beyond the sex, ya'know! : )

Intelligence shows that aperson can handle many situations. Also, I like to be around intelligent people, some of it might rub off on me.

It comes as a ray of hope tearing the dark vail ok ignorance.

Looking for an intelligent mate is a refined way of gold digging. It is not stylish to say that one is looking for a partner who is loaded with cash, so we use intelligence as an indicator for earning potential. I frequently wonder if people who say that they desire a mate with intelligence are being honest. Intelligent people are often more difficult to enjoy an event with than people who are not as intelligent.

we find intelligence so attractive because of a possibly good future for our offspring

Why do we find anything else so attractive...is my question. Any random bloak can be good-looking, funny...you've really got to WORK to be intelligent.

the same reason we gravitate towards ppl with money because they have alot of what we dont have

Intelligence is evidence of good genes. As humans, we want to procreate with people who have good genes to ensure that our species lives on. In nature, the smarter animals have a way better chance of survival. The same went for humans before modern society intervened.

I dont think that's always true. I myself like dumb, hot bitches.

There is no other viable option as intelligent as this one is available!

Not so much for me, but there is a level of ignorance I try to steer clear of... I love a man who can fix things, and who is funny.

Because it is scarce! Anything that is rarely found is always sought after.