In a remarkable turn of events that has sparked global interest, a 12-year-old boy from Devon, named Rory Bidwell, has reportedly surpassed the estimated IQ score of Albert Einstein. Rory achieved the highest possible score of 162 on the Mensa IQ test, leaving many to wonder, what was Einstein’s IQ and what does this achievement really mean?
According to reports, Rory took the Cattell III-B test without any prior preparation and described it as “a bit of a breeze”. His father, James Bidwell, shared with Sky News that their initial reaction to the score was disbelief, quickly followed by the realization of its significance after a quick online search revealed the widely accepted estimations of Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking’s IQs to be around 160. This context made Rory’s accomplishment “really quite impressive,” Mr. Bidwell stated. “We’ve always known he’s an incredibly bright lad. This just puts it in context.”
Rory, who celebrated his twelfth birthday just two weeks before the test in Exeter, received his invitation to join Mensa, the high IQ society, mere days after. Mensa welcomes individuals who score in the top 2% of the population on standardized IQ tests.
Despite his extraordinary intellect, Rory is portrayed as a typical 12-year-old boy. “He’s certainly not sat there doing quantum physics at tea time,” his father joked. Instead, Rory enjoys playing Fortnite on his PlayStation, being told off for screen time, and playing football in the park with his friends. This paints a picture of a well-rounded child who possesses an exceptional “gift” alongside his normal, everyday interests.
But what about the question that is now on many minds: what was Einstein’s IQ? It’s important to note that Albert Einstein never actually took a standardized IQ test in the way we understand them today. The commonly cited figure of 160 is an estimation, based on his accomplishments and understanding of the complexities of his scientific theories. IQ tests are designed to measure a range of cognitive abilities, and while a high IQ can be indicative of intellectual potential, it’s not the sole determinant of success or genius. Einstein’s brilliance was evident in his revolutionary theories of relativity, developed through deep thought experiments and a profound understanding of physics, rather than performance on a timed test.
Mr. Bidwell recounts that Rory has always been ahead of the curve, mastering milestones like walking early and tackling Year 7 algebra while still in Year 2. Even as a toddler, Rory would solve puzzles upside down, seeking a challenge beyond their intended difficulty.
Looking ahead, Rory’s future path remains open. While his father mentions that Rory “hasn’t a clue what he wants to do” and would “still be a footballer” if given the choice, the family encourages him to strive for his best in whatever he chooses. This supportive environment, combined with his exceptional intellect, positions Rory to potentially achieve great things, regardless of the field he ultimately pursues.
Test Your Own Brain Power: Mensa Sample Questions
The original article included sample questions from Mensa, offering a glimpse into the type of logic and reasoning these tests assess. Here are those sample questions to challenge your own cognitive abilities:
1.
2. Word Puzzle:
Replace the blanks in the following sentence with three four-letter words. The same four letters must be used for all three words. What are the words?
THE YOUNG MAN _ _ _ _ / _ _ _ _ OF MONEY, BECAUSE HE COULD NOT WALK AWAY FROM THE _ _ _ _ MACHINES.
3. Number Sequence:
What number should replace the question mark in this sequence?
1 – 2 – 3 – 7 – ? -155 – 3411
(Answers are available at the end of the original article excerpt.)
Rory Bidwell’s story is a fascinating example of exceptional childhood intelligence. While comparisons to Einstein and questions like “what was Einstein’s IQ” capture public imagination, it’s crucial to remember that IQ scores are just one measure of ability. Rory’s well-rounded personality and supportive family suggest a bright future, whatever path he chooses to follow.
