What Is Charles Manson's IQ?

Charles Manson Had an IQ of 117

Charles Manson is a name that sends chills down many people's spines. His actions have left a haunting mark on history, making him one of the most notorious figures of the 20th century. Manson, with his unsettling charisma and manipulative skills, led a cult known as the Manson Family. This group, composed of vulnerable young women and men, became his puppets, committing horrific murders under his direction in 1969. Manson's goal was to ignite a race war, a twisted vision he called "Helter Skelter," inspired by The Beatles' song of the same name.

What makes Manson even more fascinating and terrifying is his intelligence. With an IQ of around 117, he was significantly above average. This IQ is in fact an average based on several reliable sources (see paragraph below). This high intelligence, combined with his ability to manipulate others, allowed him to orchestrate his dark plans with chilling precision. Manson wasn't just a common criminal; he was a mastermind of malevolence.

Manson's life before the murders is equally intriguing. He harbored dreams of becoming a music star and even recorded an album with the help of Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson. The Beach Boys recorded one of his songs, though they altered it significantly. Despite these connections, Manson's true nature was far from the peaceful vibes of the 60s music scene.

The Manson Family's crimes were nothing short of gruesome. Over two horrifying nights, they brutally murdered actress Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant, and several others at her home. The following night, they killed Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. These murders shocked the world and marked the end of the carefree 60s, casting a dark shadow over the era. Quentin Tarantino's film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" revisits this dark chapter in a unique way.

Even today, the story of Charles Manson and his followers continues to captivate and horrify. It's a grim reminder of how charisma and intelligence can be twisted into something terrifying, leaving an indelible scar on history.

Charles Manson's IQ

117

What Evidence Backs Charles Manson's IQ of 117?

Average Confidence Level

High

Charles Manson's IQ was calculated by averaging the scores reported by three reputable sources: Dr. Reid Meloy, The New York Times and The Washington Post. We also showing the score reported by one less authoritative source for reference.

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IMDB

121 IQ Confidence Level: Medium

Dr. Reid Meloy

121 IQ Confidence Level: High

The New York Times

109 IQ Confidence Level: High

The Washington Post

121 IQ Confidence Level: High

5 Reasons Charles Manson Is Sadly Known for

• High IQ: Charles Manson had an above-average IQ of around 117. This score was reflected in his capacity for complex thought and strategic planning.
• Cult Leadership: Manson displayed a calculating mindset by manipulating his followers within the Manson Family. While he's known for his horrifying treatment of people, Manson never murdered anyone. He used charisma and psychological manipulation to bend his followers' wills. Manson even convince his followers to commit murder.
• Helmsman's Psyche: He meticulously planned the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders, believing they would initiate a race war. This is pure twisted strategic planning at play!
• Psychological Manipulation: Using his intelligence, Manson adeptly exploited the vulnerabilities and desires of his followers. This is how he convinced them to commit heinous acts under his directive.
• Media Exploitation: Even after his incarceration, Manson leveraged media attention to maintain his influence and notoriety. He had a keen understanding of media dynamics.

How Does Charles Manson's IQ Compare to Other People?

Charles Manson's IQ of 117 places him among the top 13% of the population, although according to some research, he underwent a series of cognitive test which showed he had deficiencies in his reading comprehension.

While his IQ level is considered higher than average, it falls short of the entry requirements for elite high-IQ societies such as Mensa, which demands an IQ of 130 for modern IQ tests like the Weschler and the Stanford-Binet (SB-5), and 132 for the older version of the Stanford-Binet test. Intertel and the Triple Nine Society, with thresholds of 135 and 146 respectively, are even further out of reach. In any case, Charles Manson would probably not have been accepted... let's just say his résumé had a few too many red flags!

Despite not meeting these elite standards, Manson's intellectual capabilities were still significant.

Was Charles Manson's IQ the Highest Among Criminals?

Charles Manson, with an IQ of 117, reveals a chilling blend of intelligence and malevolence in his crimes. His intellect, though high, is dwarfed by Keith Raniere's astonishing 240 IQ. Raniere's manipulative leadership of NXIVM masked his abuses behind a facade of personal development. Comparably, Nathan Leopold's 210 IQ reflects not only exceptional intelligence but also a dark turn towards criminality. Ted Kaczynski's 167 IQ fueled a deadly letter-bomb campaign, underpinned by an erudite critique of technology's societal impact. Similarly, Charlene Gallego, with an IQ of 160, partook in a heinous crime spree and Andrew Cunanan, wielding a 147 IQ, embarked on a high-profile murder spree. These cases further illustrate how intellect can be misused towards evil ends.

Do you think Charles Manson's IQ was inflated? Comment below with your thoughts!

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