Why Smart People Keep Just a Few Close Friends

Why Smart People Often Have Fewer Friends

If you have just a small group of close friends and sometimes feel left out, you’re not alone. Studies show that highly intelligent people often have fewer but deeper friendships. So, if you enjoy spending time alone, it might mean you’re using your time for thinking and personal growth rather than trying to keep up with a lot of casual friendships.

Many smart people may not always see themselves as introverts, but many do enjoy time alone. Being alone helps introverts recharge and enjoy activities like reading, meditating, or thinking deeply about life. Some even come up with amazing ideas during their alone time. This solitude gives smart people the peace and clarity they need to achieve great things.

A 2016 study published in the British Journal of Psychology looked into why intelligent people often have fewer friends. Researchers Satoshi Kanazawa and Norman Li explored how modern lifestyles affect happiness. They found that even today, we’re still influenced by the social habits of our ancestors. Back then, people felt happy and safe in small, close communities—very different from today’s crowded cities.

The study introduced the “savanna theory of happiness,” suggesting that our evolutionary past impacts our mental well-being. The research, which involved 15,000 people aged 18 to 28, found that people living in densely populated urban areas tend to have lower life satisfaction. Surprisingly, it also showed that highly intelligent people are less happy the more they socialize.

The study concluded that while most people get happier from social interactions, very smart people might not. In fact, more socializing could make them less happy. Those who live in small towns or rural areas are often happier than city dwellers. This might be because smart people find happiness in environments that support their goals and ambitions, rather than in busy social lives.

Smart people don’t always need a big social circle to feel satisfied. They often prefer being alone because it helps them focus on their bigger goals. For example, CEOs and high achievers might interact with many people at work but keep their close friendships to a minimum. They find more fulfillment in their work and achievements than in maintaining a large social network.

Our evolutionary background means most people still find joy in close relationships. In the past, strong connections were key to survival in small, tight-knit communities. The fast-paced urban life we experience today is very different from those times, which may explain why loneliness is so common now.

In summary, while having close friends is great for many, smart people often find happiness and fulfillment in spending time alone and focusing on their goals. They navigate modern life differently, prioritizing their ambitions over a large social network. If you’re content with fewer friends, you might be among those who have successfully adapted to the demands of today’s world.