Brains That Changed the World: Ranking History’s 10 Smartest People

Albert Einstein: The Mind Behind Relativity

Albert Einstein is often the first name that comes to mind when discussing genius. Born in 1879, Einstein’s theories changed how we understand time, space, and gravity.

His equation, E=mc², has become iconic, representing the link between energy and matter. More than just a theoretical physicist, Einstein’s insights into the photoelectric effect won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Recent studies of his preserved brain revealed unusually dense connections between certain regions, possibly explaining his remarkable ability to visualize complex problems. Einstein’s IQ is estimated to have been between 160 and 180, though he never took an official test.

His work not only influenced science, but also inspired a new era of innovation and creativity, making him a symbol for intelligence itself.

Leonardo da Vinci: The Renaissance Polymath

Leonardo da Vinci, born in 1452, is remembered not just as an artist but as a scientist, engineer, and inventor. His notebooks reveal a mind obsessed with understanding the natural world—he sketched everything from human anatomy to flying machines centuries ahead of their time.

Da Vinci’s ability to connect art and science is legendary, and historians often estimate his IQ to be around 180 to 190. He painted the Mona Lisa, designed war machines, and dissected corpses to study anatomy in more detail.

Modern neuroscientists still marvel at his curiosity and creative thinking. His legacy isn’t just about what he made, but how he thought—curious, experimental, and always questioning the world around him.

Isaac Newton: The Architect of Modern Physics

Isaac Newton, born in 1642, transformed science with his laws of motion and universal gravitation. His groundbreaking book, "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica," laid the foundation for classical mechanics.

Newton’s discoveries reshaped not just physics but mathematics, as he developed calculus independently around the same time as Leibniz. Historians estimate Newton’s IQ to be close to 190, based on his achievements and the complexity of his work.

His ability to work in isolation during the Great Plague of London, when he developed his theories at home, is often cited as a testament to his extraordinary focus and intellect. Newton’s influence is still felt today, as every physics student learns his principles.

Marie Curie: The Pioneer of Radioactivity

Marie Curie broke barriers as both a scientist and a woman. Born in Poland in 1867, Curie was the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences—Physics and Chemistry—for her work on radioactivity.

She discovered two elements, polonium and radium, and her experiments laid the groundwork for modern cancer treatments. Curie’s IQ has been estimated at around 180, though, like many on this list, she never took a formal test.

Her ability to persist in male-dominated fields and contribute so much to science makes her a role model for generations. Curie’s notebooks are still radioactive over a century later, symbolizing the lasting impact of her research.

Nikola Tesla: The Visionary Inventor

Nikola Tesla’s mind was overflowing with ideas that were far ahead of his time. Born in 1856 in what is now Croatia, Tesla’s inventions in electricity and magnetism changed the modern world.

He developed alternating current (AC) power systems, which are still in use today, and experimented with wireless communication, robotics, and even early X-ray imaging. Experts estimate Tesla’s IQ to have been in the 160 to 310 range, though this wide gap reflects the difficulty in measuring such a unique genius.

Tesla’s memory was legendary—he could memorize entire books and visualize inventions fully before building them. His life ended in poverty, but his influence is everywhere, especially in the technology we use daily.

Stephen Hawking: The Universe’s Storyteller

Stephen Hawking is known worldwide for his work on black holes and the nature of the universe. Diagnosed with ALS at age 21, Hawking defied all odds, living for decades with the condition while making groundbreaking discoveries in cosmology.

His best-selling book "A Brief History of Time" brought complex science to a global audience and sold millions of copies. Hawking’s IQ was estimated at around 160, though he famously dismissed the importance of such numbers, focusing instead on curiosity and perseverance.

His theories about black hole radiation and the origins of the universe still shape modern astrophysics. Hawking’s ability to communicate complex ideas simply made science accessible and inspiring.

Hypatia of Alexandria: Ancient World’s Mathematics Star

Hypatia of Alexandria was one of the most brilliant minds of the ancient world. Living in Egypt during the 4th and 5th centuries, she became head of the Neoplatonic school at Alexandria and was renowned for her work in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.

She edited and improved important mathematical texts, including works by Euclid and Apollonius. Despite extreme challenges—she lived during a time when women were rarely educated—Hypatia’s intellect shone so brightly that students traveled from across the Mediterranean to learn from her.

Her estimated IQ is impossible to pin down, but her legacy as a symbol of intellectual courage and scientific curiosity remains powerful even today.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Genius Beyond the Arts

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was more than just a poet and playwright—he was a scientist, philosopher, and statesman. Born in 1749 in Germany, Goethe’s estimated IQ has been placed as high as 225 by some scholars, based on the remarkable breadth and depth of his work.

He contributed to the theory of colors, plant morphology, and even early psychology. Goethe’s scientific writings were influential in their own right, and his literary works inspired generations.

He believed in the unity of science and art, famously saying, "Science and art belong to the whole world, and before them vanish the barriers of nationality." Goethe’s polymath abilities remind us that genius can transcend boundaries.

Terence Tao: The Modern Mathematical Marvel

Terence Tao is a living proof that genius can appear in any era. Born in 1975 in Australia, Tao was a child prodigy, solving complex math problems before age 10.

By 24, he became a full professor at UCLA, the youngest in the institution’s history. His IQ is estimated to be above 220, and his contributions span number theory, harmonic analysis, and partial differential equations.

Tao received the Fields Medal, one of mathematics’ highest honors, in 2006. His colleagues often describe him as having a "math intuition" that seems almost magical.

Tao continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge, inspiring young mathematicians worldwide.

William James Sidis: The Forgotten Prodigy

William James Sidis is often called the smartest person who ever lived, though his story remains tinged with tragedy. Born in 1898 in New York, Sidis showed extraordinary abilities from a young age—reading the New York Times at 18 months, entering Harvard at age 11, and reportedly speaking over 25 languages.

Psychologists have estimated his IQ to range from 250 to 300, possibly the highest ever recorded, though such numbers are debated. Despite his early promise, Sidis struggled with the pressure of fame and eventually withdrew from public life.

His story highlights the challenges that come with extreme intelligence, reminding us that genius is not always a blessing.

Srinivasa Ramanujan: The Mathematical Mystic

Srinivasa Ramanujan’s journey from poverty in India to mathematical fame is one of the most inspiring tales in science. Born in 1887, Ramanujan had almost no formal training but sent a letter full of theorems to British mathematician G.H.

Hardy, who recognized his genius immediately. Ramanujan contributed to number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions, many of which are still being explored by mathematicians today.

His IQ is estimated to be around 185, but what set him apart was his intuitive grasp of complex patterns that others could not see. Ramanujan’s life proves that brilliance can come from the most unexpected places and backgrounds.

Garry Kasparov: The Chess Grandmaster

Garry Kasparov, born in 1963 in Russia, is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time. He became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion at age 22 and held the title for 15 years.

Kasparov’s estimated IQ is 190, and he has used his analytical skills not just in chess, but also in writing and political activism. His famous matches against IBM’s Deep Blue computer were milestones in both chess and artificial intelligence research.

Kasparov’s strategic thinking and memory have been extensively studied by psychologists, who found his brain to be remarkably efficient at pattern recognition and long-term planning.

Kim Ung-Yong: The Child Genius from Korea

Kim Ung-Yong, born in 1962 in South Korea, is listed in the Guinness World Records for having one of the highest IQs ever recorded—reportedly between 210 and 220. He could speak four languages by age two and solve complex calculus problems at age four.

By the time he was eight, he was already invited by NASA to study in the United States. Despite his early fame, Kim later chose a quieter life as a professor in South Korea, focusing on civil engineering and emphasizing the importance of happiness over achievement.

His story challenges our ideas about what it means to be smart and successful in life.