What Is Nathan Leopold's IQ?

Nathan Leopold Had a 210 IQ

Nathan Leopold was born into a well-off family in Chicago in 1904. Very early on, he began to display signs of exceptional intelligence, with an IQ reported of 210. Young Nathan supposedly spoke his first words at just four months old. Fluent in several languages and deeply interested in ornithology, he earned recognition for his work on bird species like the Kirtland's warbler. At 15, he enrolled in the University of Chicago, and by 18, he had graduated with honors and plans for law school. Yet, his brilliant mind harbored a darker side, a side that would lead him down a dangerous path with his friend Richard Loeb.

A dangerous friendship and a twisted philosophy

Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb's friendship went beyond typical intellectual pursuits. Both came from privileged backgrounds and shared a fascination with Nietzsche’s philosophy, particularly the concept of the Übermensch, a "superman" who transcends ordinary morality. This idea became a cornerstone of their beliefs, convincing them that their superior IQ placed them above societal rules. Leopold, the more introverted of the two, admired Loeb's charisma and confidence. Their discussions soon evolved into planning what they believed would be the "perfect crime."

On May 21, 1924, they put their plan into action, kidnapping and murdering 14-year-old Bobby Franks, a distant relative of Loeb. The murder was cold and calculated, driven by a desire to prove their intellectual superiority. Leopold's contributions to the crime included detailed planning, and he used his knowledge of law to try to outsmart the police. But their plan unraveled when Leopold accidentally left his uniquely designed eyeglasses near the crime scene. Within ten days, both confessed, each blaming the other for the fatal blow. The case became a media sensation, with the two young men quickly dubbed as embodiments of moral decay and twisted genius.

Intellect overshadowed by infamy

Despite the horrors of the crime, Leopold’s intellect remained a point of fascination. During the trial, renowned defense attorney Clarence Darrow argued against the death penalty, emphasizing the psychological state of Leopold and Loeb. Darrow's arguments painted a picture of young minds warped by a mixture of high intelligence, unrestrained ego, and a distorted view of the world. He urged the judge to show mercy, framing the crime as a tragic result of their skewed philosophy rather than an inherent evil. Ultimately, the judge sentenced them to life in prison plus 99 years, sparing them from execution.

Leopold continued to use his intellect even behind bars. He worked to improve the prison's library and education system, taught fellow inmates, and even volunteered for medical research, including a malaria study. After serving 33 years, he was paroled and moved to Puerto Rico, where he built a quieter life, teaching and studying the island’s bird species. His writings, including his memoir Life Plus 99 Years, revealed a man who grappled with remorse and sought redemption, though many questioned whether his reflections could ever atone for the crime that defined his life.

Nathan Leopold's story remains a complex one. This is a mind that could grasp the intricacies of law and philosophy but turned those abilities toward a chilling act. His life challenges the traditional understanding of intelligence, raising questions about the choices one makes with such mental gifts. Was his high IQ truly an asset, or rather a curse that fueled his sense of superiority, leading to tragic consequences? Even after his death in 1971, the debate over his legacy continues. This serves as a reminder that a high IQ, when not balanced by emotional intelligence, especially empathy, can lead to destructive paths.

5 Facts That Show How Smart Nathan Leopold Was

• Masterful Language Skills: Nathan Leopold was fluent in 15 languages. This showcases his exceptional ability to understand and master complex systems of communication, a direct indicator of his calculating and analytical mindset.
• Advanced Academic Achievement: By the age of 19, Leopold had already graduated from the University of Chicago. This accomplishment speaks volumes about his intellectual capacity and strategic planning in his academic pursuits.
• Ornithological Contributions: Leopold made significant contributions to ornithology, including discovering a new species of bird. This achievement demonstrates his methodical approach to natural study and highlights his ability to apply his intellect across diverse fields.
• Elaborate Crime Planning: The planning of the Franks' murder was incredibly detailed, involving months of preparation. This underscores Leopold's calculating nature and his ability to apply logical and strategic thinking in a deeply flawed and ethical context.
• Legal Strategy and Testimony: During his trial, Leopold's extensive knowledge of law and psychology was evident. He displayed a strategic use of legal defenses and testimony, aiming to minimize consequences rather than deny actions, showcasing his analytical prowess.

How Smart Was Nathan Leopold, Comparatively?

With a 210 IQ, Nathan Leopold was incredibly smart. As Hank from Breaking Bad might put it, "if he applied that big brain to something good, he could've helped humanity.". Needless to say, such a high IQ is more than enough to get in into the most competitive high IQ societies in the world, including the Giga Society, which requires a minimum IQ of 190 IQ. Yet Nathan chose to apply that big brain of his to something far more sinister.

Was Nathan Leopold The Smartest Criminal Ever?

In a world that often glamorizes intelligence, the story of some of the smartest criminals to ever live serves as a chilling reminder that a high IQ can sometimes become a curse. We've seen how Nathan Leopold's genius-level IQ of 210 was not enough to anchor his moral compass. But let's see which other criminals compare to his level of intellect.

Let's start with Keith Raniere. The man who was also known as "The Vanguard" has a reported IQ of 240. But that didn't prevent this cult leader to be sentenced to 120 years in jail following numerous reports of abuse and crimes ranging from racketeering to sex trafficking of woman.

With his 167 IQ, Ted Kaczynski is another high-IQ genius turned criminal. The Harvard graduate, nicknamed the “Unabomber,” meticulously planned and executed bombings that targeted universities and airlines over nearly two decades. His aim was to bring attention to the negative impacts of technological advancement, which he believed were eroding human freedom. Despite his genius, Ted took a tragic and destructive path, leading to his eventual capture and life imprisonment.

Comparatively, Charlene Gallego, with an IQ of 160, also tells a story of misused potential. Alongside her partner, she engaged in a series of violent acts and heinous crimes. Once again, her ability to manipulate circumstances for personal gain illustrate the unsettling reality that a high IQ can coexist with darkness.

Andrew Cunanan's 147 and Jeffrey Dahmer's 145 further underscore this dark side. Both men had a high IQ. Yet both of them became serial killers.

The stories of these criminals show that a high IQ without any empathy can lead to a destructive path.

Do you believe Nathan Leopold's IQ is right? Scroll down and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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