Who is the smartest person to have lived? What is the highest IQ ever?

Who is the Smartest Person to Have Ever Lived? The Quest for History’s Highest IQ

Introduction

Determining the smartest person in history is a fascinating yet complex endeavor that has intrigued scholars and researchers for generations. Through comprehensive analysis and modern research methods, we’ve undertaken the challenge of identifying history’s greatest intellectual giants.

Our research employs sophisticated historiometric analysis, combining historical records, documented achievements, and verified test scores where available. We evaluate candidates across multiple dimensions of intelligence, including:

  • Fluid intelligence (problem-solving ability)
  • Verbal intelligence
  • Quantitative reasoning
  • Working memory capacity
  • Visual-spatial ability
  • Processing speed

To ensure accuracy and reliability, we’ve developed a seven-tier classification system for evaluating historical evidence:

  1. Tier 1: Professional standardized test results
  2. Tier 2: Verified scores on accurate standardized tests
  3. Tier 3: Documentary evidence with diagnostic descriptions
  4. Tier 4: Limited documentary evidence or descriptive material
  5. Tier 5: General descriptive material and academic records
  6. Tier 6: Circumstantial evidence
  7. Tier 7: Speculative assessment

Notable Candidates

Our extensive research has identified several remarkable individuals whose intellectual capabilities have left an indelible mark on human history. The following list represents some of the most brilliant minds ever documented:

[Previous candidate list remains unchanged]

Current Champion: John von Neumann

After rigorous analysis, John von Neumann emerges as potentially the most intellectually gifted individual in recorded history. Known as the “last representative of the great mathematicians,” von Neumann’s extraordinary capabilities included:

  • Perfect recall of entire books after a single reading
  • Ability to perform complex calculations mentally at unprecedented speeds
  • Fundamental contributions to quantum mechanics, computer science, economics, and numerous other fields
  • Mastery of multiple languages and disciplines by early adolescence

Our comprehensive analysis of his achievements and documented abilities places him at the pinnacle of human intellectual capability. A detailed explanation of our methodology and findings will be published in an upcoming article.

If you wish to take a FREE online IQ test, you can find it here.

Do you think someone should be added to our candidate list? Share your suggestions in the comments below.