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What Is William Shakespeare's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on November 03, 2024

Image by lisby1, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

William Shakespeare's IQ Is Reported to Be 210

William Shakespeare is revered as one of the most influential figures in literature. He was an English playwright, poet, and actor whose works have transcended time and culture. With an astonishing IQ of 210, Shakespeare's genius is undeniable. He is best known for his 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems that explore complex themes of love, betrayal, and morality. His works articulated the human experience with unparalleled depth and insight. Furthermore, Shakespeare created of some of the most memorable characters in literary history. His contributions to the development of the English language and its dramatic tradition affirm his legacy as a monumental figure in literature.

William Shakespeare's IQ

210

What Evidence Supports William Shakespeare's IQ of 210?

Average Confidence Level

High

We derived William Shakespeare's IQ from the following three authoritative sources: Business Insider, Reader's Digest and Big Think.

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Business Insider

210 IQ

Reader's Digest

210 IQ

Big Think

210 IQ

5 Facts That Show William Shakespeare's Genius

Extensive Vocabulary: William Shakespeare's works demonstrate a remarkable command of the English language, using over 17,000 words across his writings. Many of these words were used for the first time by him, highlighting his linguistic innovation.
Invented Words: Shakespeare is credited with inventing close to 1,700 words. He transformed nouns into verbs, verbs into adjectives, and connected words never before used together. This creativity expanded the English language significantly.
Global Influence: Shakespeare's influence is not confined to English literature. His works have been translated into every major living language, attesting to his universal appeal and the deep understanding of human nature reflected in his characters.
Psychological Insight: The depth with which Shakespeare explored the psychology of his characters was unprecedented. He portrayed complex emotional states and moral dilemmas, illustrating a profound understanding of the human psyche.
Cultural Impact: The phrases and idioms coined by Shakespeare, such as 'break the ice' and 'wear one's heart on one's sleeve,' are still in everyday use, evidencing his lasting impact on the English language and culture.

Image by Royal Opera House Covent Garden, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

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William Shakespeare's Score on the IQ Spectrum

William Shakespeare's IQ of 210 positions him far beyond the upper echelons of intellectual achievement. This figure surpasses the entry criteria for even the most selective high-IQ societies. For context, Mensa, known worldwide, only requires a score of 130. Intertel and the Triple Nine Society up the ante to 135 and 146, respectively. Still, they fall short of Shakespeare's mark. The Epimetheus Society, with its threshold at 160, caters to the exceptionally gifted and Shakespeare would easily gain entry. His score doubles that of average individuals, placing him in a rarified category. Furthermore, Shakespeare's IQ represents a level seen in only a minuscule fraction of the population. His achievements in literature underscore the remarkable application of his cognitive abilities.

Image by lisby1, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

Where Does William Shakespeare Stand Among Writers Based on IQ?

William Shakespeare, with an IQ of 210, stands at an impressive peak in the landscape of intellectual giants. Close behind him, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's IQ of 205 showcases the profound depth of his literary and scientific contributions. Emanuel Swedenborg, distinguished by his 187 IQ, ventured into the realms of philosophy and theology. His work marked significant strides in thought. Voltaire is another giant, with an IQ of 186. His wit and advocacy for civil liberties echo through time. Then there's Mark Twain's remarkable wit, his IQ of 170 lighting up the complexities of human nature with humor and insight. Lastly, Charles Dickens at 145 transformed keen social observations into narratives that continue to resonate deeply.

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by 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, Cassowary Colorizations under CC BY 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

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