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What Is Voltaire's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on November 02, 2024

Image by Wikimedia Commons, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

Voltaire's Intellectual Quotient: 186

Voltaire, a towering figure in the Enlightenment era, is renowned for his sharp wit and prolific writing. His work spans plays, poetry, essays, and philosophical discourses. With an IQ of 186, his intellectual acumen allowed him to critique society, advocate for freedom of speech, and question religious orthodoxy through masterful satire. His most celebrated work, "Candide," encapsulates his skepticism towards unfounded optimism. It showcases his profound understanding of human nature and societal flaws. Voltaire's contributions to literature and philosophy underscore his enduring influence, cementing his status as a monumental thinker whose insights continue to resonate centuries later.

Voltaire's IQ

186

Voltaire's IQ of 186: Description of Our Methodology

Average Confidence Level

High

Voltaire's IQ was calculated by averaging the scores reported by three reputable sources: Genetic Studies of Genius, Big Think and Business Insider. We also showing the score reported by one less authoritative source for reference. We approximated some of the scores by taking the midpoint of their provided ranges.

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Genetic Studies of Genius

170 IQ

Jagran Josh

195 IQ

Big Think

195 IQ

Business Insider

195 IQ

5 Facts That Show Voltaire's High IQ

High IQ of 186: Voltaire's estimated IQ of 186 places him among the most eminent intellectuals of history. His score reflects his exceptional ability to analyze, critique, and articulate complex ideas and societal critiques.
Prolific Writer: Voltaire's extensive bibliography is comprised of over 2,000 books and pamphlets, as well as plays, poems, and essays. His many works demonstrate his immense knowledge and capacity to communicate effectively across various genres.
Master of Satire: With his acute wit, Voltaire utilized satire as a powerful tool to criticize corruption and hypocrisy within the government and the Church. He influenced public opinion and societal standards. Not everyone appreciated Voltaire's commentary. Some of his most famous writings have been banned!
Advocate for Civil Liberties: Voltaire's advocacy for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and judicial reform marked him as a visionary proponent for civil liberties. He was ahead of his time in understanding the principles of human rights.
Philosophical Influence: His philosophical letters and essays, particularly those criticizing the established social and religious order, played a significant role in shaping Enlightenment thought and continue to impact modern philosophical inquiry.

Image by Nicolas de Largillière, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

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How Does Voltaire's IQ Compare to Other People?

With an IQ of 186, Voltaire stands in a rarefied league. His cognitive capabilities easily surpass the requirements for membership in even the most elite circles, such as the highly recognized high-IQ networks. This score positions him well beyond the entry benchmarks of Mensa, Intertel, and even the Triple Nine Society. Indeed, his intellectual metrics would make him a comfortable fit for the Epimetheus Society, where only the top 0.003% of the population treads. Voltaire's IQ, indicative of a mind that occurs once in 200,000,000 people, elevates him to a stratum of intellectuality reached by exceedingly few. This level of cognitive achievement underscores the profound impact and timeless relevance of his contributions to literature and philosophy.

Image by Wikimedia Commons, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

Where Does Voltaire Stand Among Writers Based on IQ?

In the realm of high IQ scores, Voltaire’s 186 is impressive. Still, it trails behind William Shakespeare's IQ of 210. Both individuals are celebrated for their contributions to literature, showcasing the extraordinary intellectual capacity behind their timeless works. Similarly, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, with an IQ of 205, stands out not just in literature but also in his philosophical musings. He highlights the diverse capabilities of high-IQ individuals across various fields. Just above Voltaire, Emanuel Swedenborg’s 187 IQ underscores a mind engaged in both scientific inquiry and mystical thoughts, illustrating the broad spectrum of intellect. Mark Twain, known for his wit at 170, and Charles Dickens at 145, each revolutionized storytelling in their own right. They demonstrate how creativity is not solely the domain of the highest IQ scores.

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

Were you expecting Voltaire's IQ to not reach 186? Let's discuss your opinions in the comments section!

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