Albert Einstein American electrochemical engineer Libb Thims took an unorthodox approach when he set out to rank the smartest people of all time.

Thims first compiled a list of people with IQ scores over 200 as a matter of curiosity. Anything over 130 is extremely high, though it should be noted that IQ tests are a highly imprecise and controversial measure.

Later, Thims ranked everybody who had a strong aptitude, marked capacity, or heightened inclination in some area that coupled with their IQ would make them worthy of the title genius.

Not wanting to exclude any geniuses who existed before IQ tests were invented, Thims referred to IQ ratings based on the Cox methodology, which predicts IQ based on how much people accomplished every 10 years of their lives. Thims then adjusted the IQ scores he thought were inaccurate by reading through many of the individuals‘ works to check for errors.

Thims evaluated both IQ and accomplishments to rank the smartest people in history.

Of course, this list is highly subjective and at times seemingly random. Still, we found it thoughtful enough to warrant a second look.

The 40 smartest people of all time

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