The Myth of High IQ: Just How Smart Was Einstein?

2025-02-23
The Myth of High IQ: Just How Smart Was Einstein?

This article challenges the common fantasy of assigning high IQ scores to historical figures, particularly Einstein's supposed IQ of 160. By analyzing Einstein's academic record and the limitations of modern IQ tests, the author argues that extremely high IQ scores (e.g., above 160) are unreliable. High-range IQ tests suffer from significant measurement error, and the correlation between such scores and real-world achievements is weak. The author critiques flawed studies, such as Anne Roe's estimations of Nobel laureates' IQs. The conclusion is that the obsession with stratospheric IQ scores is unfounded; true genius lies in creativity, deep thinking, and drive, not a single number.