The 228 IQ Genius: How Marilyn Vos Savant Changed the Game
With an IQ of 228, Marilyn Vos Savant defied the odds and proved that intelligence knows no bounds. Her inspiring story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
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Meet Marilyn Vos Savant, the woman with the highest recorded IQ in history – a staggering 228. Her incredible intellect has been both a blessing and a curse, but her determination and resilience have made her an inspiration to millions.
Born in 1946, Marilyn’s exceptional abilities were evident from an early age. By the time she was 10, she had:
- Memorized entire books
- Read all 24 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica
- Achieved the highest recorded IQ of 228
Despite her remarkable intellect, Marilyn’s early life was not without its challenges. She attended a regular public school, where she often felt isolated and misunderstood.
In 1985, Marilyn’s life took a dramatic turn. The Guinness Book of World Records listed her as having the “Highest IQ” ever recorded, catapulting her to international fame.
Suddenly, Marilyn was in high demand:
- Featured on the covers of New York Magazine and Parade Magazine
- Guest on Late Night with David Letterman
- Author of the iconic “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade Magazine
However, Marilyn’s newfound fame was not without its challenges. In September 1990, she was faced with a seemingly simple question that would spark a firestorm of controversy:
The Monty Hall Problem:
- You’re on a game show with 3 doors.
- 1 door hides a car, while the other 2 hide goats.
- You choose a door, and the host opens another door, revealing a goat.
- Should you switch doors?
Marilyn’s answer: “Yes, you should switch.”
The backlash was overwhelming. Marilyn received over 10,000 letters, including nearly 1,000 from PhDs, insisting she was wrong.
However, Marilyn’s answer was eventually proven correct:
- MIT ran computer simulations confirming her logic.
- MythBusters tested it and reached the same conclusion.
- Some academics even apologized.
Marilyn’s experience with the Monty Hall Problem highlights the importance of critical thinking and independent reasoning. As she so aptly put it:
“The compulsory schooling system discourages independent thinking. It creates passive learners, stifles exploration, and hinders critical thinking.”
Marilyn’s exceptional intellect has been both a blessing and a curse. While it has brought her international recognition and acclaim, it has also made her feel isolated and alone.
As she once said:
“My intellect often feels isolating – there’s no one to turn to when I need answers.”
Marilyn Vos Savant’s inspiring story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Despite facing ridicule and criticism, she remained true to herself and her convictions.
As we reflect on Marilyn’s remarkable journey, let us remember the importance of critical thinking, independent reasoning, and embracing our unique talents and abilities.
Anamika Chakravorty, Staff Reporter
