Pattern recognition. Pattern recognition is a key component of intelligence. It's why IQ tests have a lot of 'what number is next in this series' and 'which of these things is not like the other' questions. You are a lot better at predicting outcomes - positive and negative - because you recognize patterns. You see people making the same mistakes repeatedly, and wonder why. It's not that you never make mistakes, but you never make them twice. You are also really good at extrapolating the consequences of others' mistakes, ie: 'johnny stuck a fork in an electrical outlet and got shocked. I'd better not stick a fork in an electrical outlet.'