By Farley Ledgerwood
There’s a vast difference between being childlike and childish. This distinction boils down to intellectual maturity.
Being childlike refers to keeping the sense of wonder, curiosity, and joy alive, while being childish is about clinging to immature interests and behaviors that hinder intellectual growth.
Simply put, if a man still shows an interest in these seven things, it’s a sign that he hasn’t fully matured intellectually.
In this conversation, I will highlight these seven interests that are telltale signs of an intellectual standstill. No judgment here, just some friendly observations to help you or someone you know continue on the path of intellectual growth.
1) Immaturity in humor
Intellectual maturity isn’t just about the books you read or the documentaries you watch. It’s also reflected in your sense of humor.
Laughing at slapstick comedy or crude jokes is perfectly fine. We all need a good laugh now and then. But if a man’s humor hasn’t evolved beyond toilet jokes and pranks, it might be a sign that he hasn’t grown up intellectually.
Mature humor is more subtle and often involves a degree of intellectual engagement. It requires an understanding of social cues, cultural references, and even historical context.
If the type of humor a man predominantly enjoys and shares is still stuck in his teenage years, it may indicate that his intellectual growth has hit a plateau.
However, remember, this isn’t about judging someone’s preferences but rather about observing possible signs of intellectual stagnation. So next time you share a joke or laugh at one, consider what it says about your intellectual growth.
2) Obsession with video games
Now, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy a good video game from time to time, who doesn’t? It can be a fantastic way to unwind and escape. However, it becomes an issue when it turns into an obsession.
Years ago, I knew a guy – let’s call him John. We were both in our late twenties, but there was a stark difference in our interests. While I was delving into books on philosophy, business, and world cultures, John was spending countless hours on his gaming console.
Despite having a college degree and a decent job, he always seemed more excited about his virtual achievements than real-life ones. His conversations revolved around his latest gaming exploits and little else.
It was clear that his intellectual growth had taken a backseat to his gaming obsession. His interests were limited, and his conversations lacked depth.
If a man maintains a disproportionate interest in video games or similar pursuits at the expense of intellectual enrichment, it’s likely he hasn’t fully matured intellectually.
Remember, the issue is not playing video games; it’s about striking a balance and pursuing a broad range of interests that contribute to intellectual growth.
3) Lack of interest in current affairs
In an era where information is available at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to stay updated on global events.
Yet, some men show a remarkable lack of interest in current affairs. They might know the ins and outs of their favorite sports team’s statistics but have no clue about significant world events or political issues.
This avoidance can be a red flag indicating a lack of intellectual growth. Being informed about current affairs is crucial as it broadens one’s perspective and encourages critical thinking.
It’s interesting to note that a study published in the Journal of Public Economics found that consuming news leads to increased political knowledge, which in turn results in greater civic participation.
If a man doesn’t show interest in learning about the world around him and fails to engage in meaningful conversations about current issues, it’s likely that he hasn’t grown up intellectually.
4) Over-reliance on others for opinions
Independence of thought is a hallmark of intellectual maturity. It doesn’t mean you have to disagree with everyone around you, but it does mean forming your own opinions based on careful consideration and evidence.
If a man is constantly relying on others for his beliefs and opinions, it suggests he hasn’t fully developed his intellectual autonomy.
This dependence can manifest in various ways, such as always agreeing with popular opinion, mirroring the views of friends or loved ones, or simply failing to have an opinion on important matters.
Intellectual growth involves questioning, exploring different perspectives, and ultimately, forming one’s own well-informed views. If a man is not doing this, it’s likely he hasn’t matured intellectually.
5) Unwillingness to accept mistakes
Growing up, I was always afraid of being wrong. The fear of making mistakes and being judged was so intense that I would often avoid taking risks or trying new things. This fear, however, hindered my intellectual growth.
When a man is unwilling to admit his mistakes or sees them as a sign of weakness instead of opportunities for learning and growth, it’s an indication that he hasn’t fully matured intellectually.
Intellectual maturity involves understanding that making mistakes and failing is an inevitable part of the learning process. Owning up to your mistakes, learning from them, and moving forward is a sign of intellectual growth and maturity.
If a man continues to blame others for his faults or refuses to acknowledge his mistakes, it’s likely that he is stuck in a state of intellectual immaturity.
6) Disinterest in reading
Reading is a vital part of intellectual growth. It exposes us to different ideas, cultures, and perspectives that can significantly broaden our horizons.
However, if a man shows little to no interest in reading, it could suggest that he hasn’t grown up intellectually.
Whether it’s novels, non-fiction, newspapers, or online articles, reading helps develop critical thinking skills, increases knowledge, and stimulates the mind.
Of course, not everyone enjoys reading books. But intellectual growth involves seeking knowledge and understanding through various means. If a man isn’t doing this, either through reading or other forms of learning, it suggests a lack of intellectual maturity.
7) Lack of curiosity
Curiosity is the fuel for intellectual growth. It drives us to ask questions, explore new ideas, and continually learn.
If a man lacks curiosity and shows no interest in understanding the world around him, it’s the clearest sign yet that he hasn’t grown up intellectually.
Intellectual maturity is not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions. Without curiosity, one can easily become stuck in their ways and resistant to new ideas.
So, if a man isn’t eager to learn, to question, and to explore, he hasn’t fully matured intellectually.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Understanding intellectual maturity is not about pointing fingers or belittling interests. It’s about recognizing the signs that indicate where we may need to focus our growth efforts.
Intellectual growth, much like physical growth, is a journey. It takes time, patience, and the right nutrients to flourish. Just as the body needs a balanced diet, the mind needs diverse experiences, challenging thoughts, and constant learning to mature.
© 2025 Global English Editing.
