Geniuses with sky-high IQs: How their extraordinary lives unfolded
Paul Allen (photo: Wikipedia)
Have you ever wondered who the smartest and most talented person in history is? High intelligence is both a gift and a challenge, serving as a source of both inspiration and difficulties.
The stories of people with the highest IQs who have left their mark on history are revealed in the material below.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, born in Germany, became a symbol of scientific progress throughout the 20th century. His name is synonymous with genius, and his scientific achievements revolutionized physics.
During his lifetime, he wrote over 300 scientific papers and actively opposed the use of nuclear weapons. His IQ, according to contemporary estimates, ranged from 170 to 190 points.
Nathan Leopold
With an IQ of 210, Nathan Leopold was a child prodigy with a tragic fate. A difficult childhood and psychological trauma led him to commit the "perfect crime."
In 1924, together with his accomplice, he committed a murder that shocked society. After his release from prison, he worked as a mathematics teacher, and his story became the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's film Rope.
Nathan Leopold in prison (photo: Wikipedia)
Jacob Barnett
As a child, Jacob Barnett was diagnosed with autism, and doctors doubted he would even learn to tie his shoelaces. However, he earned a PhD at the age of 18 and has an IQ of 170. With the support of his parents, who chose homeschooling for him, Jacob achieved incredible success in science.
William James Sidis
With an IQ exceeding 250, William James Sidis is considered the smartest person in history. By six months old, he was already speaking words, and by nine years old, he knew eight languages and was admitted to Harvard at the age of 12. The absence of a childhood and the immense expectations placed upon him made him deeply unhappy. Sidis left a scientific legacy, including research on black holes.
William J. Sidis (photo: Wikipedia)
Richard Rosner
With an IQ of 192, Richard Rosner is one of the smartest individuals who did not pursue a scientific career. He worked as a bouncer, model, and screenwriter and even appeared in commercials. Rosner is passionate about various fields of knowledge but applies them only for personal development. To enhance brain function, he takes special supplements.
Paul Allen
With an IQ of 170, Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, embodies modern genius. In addition to his successful career in technology, he founded an aviation museum and owned sports teams. Allen was actively involved in philanthropy and contributed significantly to scientific advancement. His impact on the tech world is undeniable.
Paul Allen (photo: Wikipedia)
Philip Emeagwali
Philip Emeagwali, known as the "Bill Gates of Africa," has an IQ of 190. He dropped out of school at 14 but later received a scholarship and studied at Oregon State University. His ideas on supercomputing and optimizing oil extraction made him a renowned figure in the world of science.
Judit Polgár
Judit Polgár is a world-famous chess player with an IQ of 170 who became a grandmaster at the age of 15. Her strategic thinking and talent allowed her to become one of the greatest chess players in history. Polgár is an example of how intelligence and perseverance pave the way for success. Her achievements continue to inspire young athletes.
Judit Polgar (photo: Wikipedia)
Earlier, we wrote about five child prodigies who were considered true wonders of nature and what happened to them.
Read also about six American presidents who may have had mysterious abilities.
Sources: How Stuff Works, Listverse, Wikipedia.
