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What Is Charles Dickens's IQ?

By Samantha Davis
Psychology Writer
Published on July 26, 2024 | Updated on August 22, 2024

Image by Library of Congress, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

Charles Dickens Had a 145 IQ

Charles Dickens, a prominent figure in literary history, is celebrated for his exceptional storytelling and keen observation of Victorian society. With an IQ score of 145, Dickens created narratives that explored themes of poverty, social injustice, and the human condition, leaving a lasting mark on English literature.

Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, Dickens faced a challenging childhood. His father's imprisonment for debt forced young Charles to work in a boot-blacking factory, an experience that heavily influenced his future writings and his views on social reform. This period in his life is vividly portrayed in many of his works, including "David Copperfield" and "Oliver Twist".

Dickens wrote 15 novels, including classics like "A Tale of Two Cities," "Great Expectations," and "Oliver Twist." His books were initially published in monthly serial installments, making them accessible to a wide audience. This format helped Dickens gain immense popularity and influence. He used his writing to shed light on the struggles of the poor and working-class people in Victorian England, contributing to social change.

Despite his success, Dickens's personal life was marked by turmoil. He married Catherine Hogarth in 1836, and they had 10 children. However, the marriage ended in separation in 1858. Dickens also faced the loss of his infant daughter and his father in 1851, which led to a darker tone in his later works, such as "Bleak House" and "Hard Times".

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Dickens's social commentary wasn't limited to his novels. His public readings and lecture tours, including a notable tour of the United States, were widely attended and showcased his opposition to slavery and his support for social reform. However, his criticisms of American culture during his first tour led to some resentment, prompting a second tour years later to mend his reputation.

Despite his literary genius, Dickens's views on colonialism and the slave trade were controversial. While he championed social justice in England, he remained he remained largely silent on the abuses of British colonialism.

Charles Dickens passed away on June 9, 1870, but his legacy endures. His vivid characters, intricate plots, and moral depth continue to captivate readers and scholars, cementing his status as one of the most influential writers of the 19th century.

Charles Dickens's IQ
145
profile picture of Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens's IQ of 145: Description of Our Methodology
High Confidence

Average Confidence Level

High

We relied on the findings of Genetic Studies of Genius to estimate Charles Dickens's IQ. We also reported the scores of three other sources for reference.

Genetic Studies of Genius
145 IQ High Confidence Confidence Level: High
Finances Online
165 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low
Geni
165 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low
Weird Facts
180 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low

5 Life Achievements That Show How Smart Charles Dickens Is

  • High IQ of 145: Charles Dickens possessed an IQ of 145, placing him in the highly intelligent category. This intellectual capacity greatly contributed to his ability to create complex characters and narratives.
  • Innovative Serial Publishing: Dickens broke new ground by releasing his novels in serial form. By engaging readers, he made literature accessible to a broader audience.
  • Self-Educated Genius: Despite limited formal schooling, Dickens was largely self-educated. He immersed himself in the classics and the world around him, honing his writing skills.
  • Rich Character Creation: Dickens is renowned for his vivid, enduring characters. Sometimes, he used events or people in his own life for inspiration. However, his real genius lay in his ability to imbue them with authenticity, complexity, and depth, reflecting all facets of human nature.
  • Social Reform Influence: Through his writings, Dickens influenced social reforms in Victorian England. He highlighted inequalities and injustices, inspiring changes in laws and attitudes towards the poor and disadvantaged.
Image by Mike Licht, used under CC BY 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration
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Where Does Charles Dickens's IQ Score Stand?

Charles Dickens, with an impressive IQ of 145, swims effortlessly in the intellectual deep end, ranking among the top 0.1% of the population. This score places him near the entry threshold for elite high-IQ societies like the Triple Nine Society, missing it by just a single point. Dickens's IQ would also have comfortably met the criteria for Mensa and Intertel.

Image by Library of Congress, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

Ranking Charles Dickens's IQ Among Writers

Charles Dickens, with an IQ of 145, stands among giants of literature and intellect. However, when placed alongside figures like William Shakespeare's IQ of 210, there's a noticeable gap. Shakespeare, often celebrated as the greatest playwright in the English language, reshaped drama and poetry with a brilliance that still resonates today.

Similarly, Goethe's IQ, at 205, speaks to his genius and versatility across poetry, drama, and science. Goethe's impressive intellect made him a polymath whose works spanned multiple disciplines with ease.

Then there's Emanuel Swedenborg, with an IQ of 187. He juggled spirituality and science like no other, and his intellectual journey was as mystical as it was rational, making him a unique figure in both fields.

Voltaire stands close by with an IQ of 186, wielding his sharp wit to critique society and culture. His biting satire and philosophical works left an indelible mark on the Enlightenment.

Mark Twain, known for his razor-sharp humor, rounds out the group. His IQ, at 170, places him firmly in the upper echelons of literary genius. Twain's keen observations on human nature and society continue to entertain and provoke thought.

These literary legends prove that high IQs and creative genius often go hand in hand.

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by Cassowary Colorizations under CC BY 2.0, BatyrAshirbayev98 under CC BY-SA 4.0, Pierre Andre Leclercq under CC BY-SA 2.0, Vetenskapsakademiens porträttsamling under Public Domain, Wellcome Library, London under CC BY 4.0, pingnews.com under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

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