A simple formula serves as the gateway to intelligence.

If you want to gain intelligence in a particular area of interest, three traits will surely send you down the right path. These traits can be applied to any field and—if practiced—will propel you forward toward your desired location.

These three traits (in my opinion) lead to intelligence:

Curiosity

      ...to experiment and explore. Curiosity is the foundation for acquiring new information.

Honesty

      ...to observe the world as it is, not as you wish it would be. Honesty is the cornerstone of growth.

Humility

      ...to set aside your favorite ideas when you learn something new or better. Humility is perhaps the most challenging trait of all.

And if I were to add a fourth trait:

Consistency

      ...to repeat the first three for the long haul. Consistency is the key to success at anything in life.

Repeatedly integrate curiosity, honesty and humility into your perspective and intelligence is on its way.