Mensa: The High IQ Society

History of Mensa

Mensa was founded on October 1, 1946, in the United Kingdom by Roland Berrill, an Australian lawyer, and Lance Ware, a British scientist and lawyer. The initial goal was to create a society for exceptionally intelligent people, regardless of race, religion, or social background. The name "Mensa" comes from Latin and means "table," symbolizing a place where all members can gather equally to exchange ideas.

Since then, Mensa has expanded to over 100 countries, with around 145,000 members worldwide. The society's mission is to identify and foster human intelligence, promoting social interactions and contributing to scientific and educational advancements.

How to Join Mensa

To join Mensa, one must demonstrate an IQ at or above the 98th percentile of the population, meaning they are among the top 2% most intelligent people in the world. This can be proven through two main methods:

1. Taking the Official Mensa Test: Mensa administers supervised tests conducted by accredited psychologists in various locations. These tests assess logical reasoning, abstract thinking, and general cognitive abilities. If the candidate achieves the required minimum score, they receive an invitation to become a member.

2. Submitting an Accepted IQ Test Score: Some intelligence tests administered by recognized institutions are accepted as admission criteria. Examples include WAIS, Stanford-Binet, and Cattell. If the candidate has previously taken one of these tests and obtained a qualifying score, they can submit the documentation for evaluation.

Once approved, the candidate can complete their registration and pay the annual membership fee, gaining access to the society's benefits.

Benefits and Opportunities of Being a Mensa Member

Being a Mensa member offers numerous advantages, from intellectual opportunities to social and professional benefits. Some of the key advantages include:

1. Networking and Social Connections

Mensa members have access to a global network of individuals with diverse interests and skills. Local, national, and international events are held to foster meetings and discussions among participants.

2. Intellectual Development

Mensa organizes competitions, challenges, and debates to stimulate critical thinking and continuous learning. Discussion forums and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) allow members to explore topics of interest with other intellectuals.

3. Career Opportunities

Many employers value Mensa membership as an indicator of advanced cognitive abilities. Additionally, the organization offers career guidance services and mentorship opportunities.

4. Social and Educational Projects

Mensa is also dedicated to social causes, promoting educational programs for gifted children and supporting scientific research focused on intelligence development.

5. Exclusive Publications and Materials

Members receive magazines and newsletters featuring articles on science, technology, psychology, philosophy, and other intellectual topics of interest.

Criticisms and Challenges

While Mensa offers many opportunities, the society also faces some criticisms. Some argue that a high IQ does not guarantee success or contributions to society. Additionally, there are those who question whether the organization truly fosters meaningful advancements or if it is merely an elitist club for intellectuals.

Another challenge is diversity within Mensa. Despite its inclusive proposal, most members come from specific academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, which may limit the variety of perspectives within the organization.

Conclusion

Mensa is a unique society, offering an exclusive environment for high-IQ individuals to interact, learn, and collaborate. Despite criticisms, the organization continues to grow and influence how intelligence is perceived and applied in different fields of knowledge. For those who meet the admission criteria and seek an intellectually stimulating environment, Mensa can be an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development.