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Which Writer Has the Highest IQ?

By Dominica Applegate
BSc in Psychology & MA in Counseling
Published on July 20, 2024 | Updated on October 25, 2024

highest IQ writers ranking

Have you ever heard that reading sharpens your mind? Well, it’s no surprise that some of history’s literary legends weren’t just wordsmiths... they were also brainiacs with sky-high IQs. Imagine penning masterpieces and having your intellect soar to genius levels. That’s the kind of brainpower we’re talking about!

Let’s take a look at a few of these literary giants: Shakespeare, Goethe, and Swedenborg. Even though they lived in different eras and had their own unique styles, they each made a huge impact on literature.

William Shakespeare is the ultimate literary legend, known for plays and poems that have lasted through the ages. With an IQ of 210, Shakespeare is considered a true genius. He penned 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems, creating unforgettable characters and exploring deep themes like love, betrayal, and morality. His work has not only shaped English literature but has also influenced how we think and speak today.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a major player in German literature, boasting an estimated IQ of 205. His famous play "Faust" dives into complex emotions and society. But Goethe wasn’t just about writing—he dabbled in science and philosophy too. His "Theory of Colors" even challenged Isaac Newton’s ideas! Goethe’s curiosity also led him to explore law, mineralogy, anatomy, and physics.

Emanuel Swedenborg had an impressive IQ of 187. Born in 1688, he made waves in theology, philosophy, and science. Known for his spiritual writings and deep dives into Christian scriptures, Swedenborg also made strides in fields like anatomy and psychology. He truly was a Renaissance man!

And they’re not alone. Check out these other brilliant writers: England’s Charles Dickens, famous for "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Great Expectations," had an IQ of 145. France’s Voltaire, who wrote "Candide" and "Letters on the English," had an IQ of 186. And let’s not forget Mark Twain—born Samuel Langhorne Clemens—who had a genius-level IQ of 170!

Explore the table below to find out more about these exceptionally smart writers.

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IQ of Famous Writers

Name IQ Score
William Shakespeare William Shakespeare 210 View
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 205 View
Emanuel Swedenborg Emanuel Swedenborg 187 View
Voltaire Voltaire 186 View
Mark Twain Mark Twain 170 View
Charles Dickens Charles Dickens 145 View
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