Mensa International Definition

What is Mensa?

Mensa International is the world’s most famous high-IQ society. Founded in Oxford, England, in 1946 by Roland Berrill and Lancelot Ware, the organization has a simple but exclusive mission: to bring together people of high intelligence, regardless of their background or political views.

The word “Mensa” means “table” in Latin, symbolizing a round-table society where all members are equals.

How to Join: The Top 2% Rule

Mensa has only one requirement for membership: you must score at or above the 98th percentile on a supervised, standardized intelligence test.

What does this mean in terms of IQ scores?

On a test with a Standard Deviation of 15 (most modern tests), this is an IQ of approximately 130.
On a test with a Standard Deviation of 16, it is an IQ of 132.

Mensa does not accept online “fun” IQ tests. Applicants must either take a supervised Mensa entrance exam or submit certified results from an approved test like the WAIS, Stanford-Binet, or Raven’s Matrices.

The Purpose of Mensa

Mensa defines its three official purposes as:

To identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
To encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence.
To provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.

Why Do People Join Mensa?

For many, Mensa is about community. High-IQ individuals often feel like “outliers” in their daily lives. Mensa provides a space where they can skip the small talk and engage in complex discussions with people who process information at a similar speed.

Benefits of membership include:

Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Thousands of sub-groups dedicated to everything from nuclear physics and poetry to board games and chocolate.
Annual Gatherings: Large-scale conferences where members from around the world meet.
Networking: A global directory of highly capable individuals in various industries.

Criticisms and Myths

Mensa is often the subject of both fascination and criticism.

The “Elitism” Myth: Some view Mensa as an elitist club. Mensa argues that it is one of the most diverse groups on earth, as high IQ crosses all social, economic, and racial lines.
The “Success” Paradox: There is a common misconception that all Mensans are wealthy geniuses. In reality, intelligence is only one factor for success. You will find Mensans who are professors and CEOs, but also those who are janitors, artists, or taxi drivers.

Mensa and the “IQ Archive”

In our IQ Archive, many of the featured individuals (like Geena Davis or Nolan Gould) are confirmed members of Mensa. For these celebrities, Mensa membership serves as an external validation of the intellectual power they bring to their creative or professional work.

Conclusion: A Global Meeting of Minds

Mensa remains the gold standard for high-IQ communities. It serves as a reminder that intelligence is a trait that deserves to be celebrated and connected. Whether you view it as a prestigious accolade or a fun social club, Mensa continues to be the primary gateway for those looking to explore the reaches of human cognitive potential.