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What Is Woodrow Wilson's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on August 13, 2024 | Updated on August 22, 2024

Image by Library of Congress, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

Woodrow Wilson Had a 144 IQ

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, served from 1913 to 1921. Known for his leadership during World War I and the creation of the League of Nations, Wilson played a key role in shaping global peace efforts. Born in Staunton, Virginia, in 1856, Wilson witnessed the Civil War's impact firsthand, influencing his views on conflict and reconciliation.

Wilson's academic career was impressive. He earned a Ph.D. and became President of Princeton University from 1902 to 1910. With an IQ of 144, Woodrow Wilson was probably one of the smartest presidents out there. As President, he pushed for anti-trust legislation, leading to the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 to limit corporate monopolies. His famous "Fourteen Points speech" outlined his vision for post-war peace and led to the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations.

However, Wilson's presidency was also marked by controversy. He enforced racial segregation in federal offices and suppressed free speech during the Great War. These actions have stained his legacy, despite his significant contributions to progressivism and peace.

In 1919, Wilson suffered a stroke that left him incapacitated for the rest of his term. His wife, Edith, and close aides managed his responsibilities, which eventually led to the 25th Amendment addressing presidential succession and incapacity.

Wilson's legacy is a mix of achievements and controversies. His efforts for peace and democracy and his domestic reforms continue to influence modern governance and international relations.

Woodrow Wilson's IQ

144

How Do We Know Woodrow Wilson's IQ Is 144?

Average Confidence Level

High

We derived Woodrow Wilson's IQ from psychologist Dean Simonton's study. We have included the IQ score from one other source for reference. Note that we approximated the score by taking the midpoint of the provided range.

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Psychologist Dean Simonton's study

144 IQ

Ranker

145 IQ

5 Reasons Why Woodrow Wilson's Genius Isn't Surprising

High IQ Score: Woodrow Wilson possessed an impressive IQ of 144. This indicates intelligence significantly above the average population.
Princeton President: Before his presidency, Wilson served as the President of Princeton University. In his role, he enhanced the school's academic reputation and reformed its educational system.
Nobel Peace Prize: In 1919, Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in establishing the League of Nations that aimed for world peace after WWI.
Progressive Policies: Wilson implemented several progressive domestic policies, including the Federal Reserve Act. This act supported economic stability and growth.
Academic Scholar: Wilson's scholarly work was profound, earning him a Ph.D. in Political Science and History, shaping his political ideology and leadership style.

Image by US Department of State, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

How Does Woodrow Wilson's IQ Compare to Other People?

Woodrow Wilson's IQ of 144 places him among the intellectual elite, far above the average person. This level of intelligence is so rare that only about 0.2% of the global population achieve it. If we take a look at some of the highest IQ societies, this level of IQ matches the entrance requirements for Mensa International (130 IQ minimum for WAIS, WISC tests and Stanford-Binet 5th Edition or 132 for the Stanford-Binet 4th Edition), Intertel (135 IQ minimum) and the Cerebrals Society (141 IQ minimum).

Image by Library of Congress, used under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

How High Is Woodrow Wilson's IQ Compared to Fellow Politicians?

Woodrow Wilson, with an IQ of 144, stands out for his intellectual legacy in American politics. His achievements in governance and international relations are well documented, from leading the country through World War I to establishing the League of Nations. However, when placed alongside the formidable intellects of other leaders, such as John Quincy Adams with an IQ of 172, the perspective shifts. Adams, known for his diplomatic skills and presidential tenure, overshadows many with his cerebral capacity. His work as a diplomat and his role in shaping early American foreign policy highlight his exceptional intellect.

Similarly, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama with IQs of 155 demonstrate remarkable intelligence. JFK's charm and crisis management skills are legendary, especially during events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Obama's eloquence and strategic vision captured the global imagination, and his efforts in healthcare reform and foreign policy reflect his sharp mind.

Close to Wilson's score, Bill Clinton's IQ of 151 showcases his significant political acumen. Clinton's ability to connect with people and navigate complex challenges during his presidency, such as economic reforms and international diplomacy, underscores his intelligence.

Meanwhile, Georges Danton's slightly higher IQ of 145 reflects his influential role during the French Revolution. Although he wasn't a president, his powerful oratory and leadership left a significant mark on French history, making him a key figure in the revolutionary movement.

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by Political Graveyard under CC BY 2.0, TradingCardsNPS under CC BY 2.0, Kheel Center, Cornell University Library under CC BY 2.0, egadapparel under CC BY 2.0, sharedferret under CC BY 2.0, Neraudau, A., dessinateur-lithographe under CC0 1.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

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