The Myth of IQ 200: Why It’s Time to Dismiss the Fiction of a 200 IQ

Recently, a post circulated online asking what would happen if a brain sergeant opened up your brain and found that you had an IQ of a perfect 200. This article aims to debunk this myth and shed light on the reality of IQ testing and what a true IQ score means.

Understanding the Peculiar Saying: Brain Sergeant?

The term brain sergeant is a clear sign that the person confused a military rank with a medical profession. No brain surgeon would ever open up your brain to check your IQ; that would be not only unethical but also immensely dangerous. It is important to differentiate between what a brain surgeon does and what a brain sergeant might do, if such a position even exists.

Unlikely IQ Scores: What Really Counts

It’s perhaps amusing to think about someone who believes they have an IQ of 200. This score is often mentioned in online puzzles and tests, displaying a strange coincidence. Statistics show that the real IQ tests do not measure as high as 200. Some internet tests give a perfect score of 200, but this is just a facade to attract users. In reality, the highest IQ scores are well below 200 and are extremely rare.

The Truth Behind IQ Tests

So, what is an actual IQ score? Well, an IQ test is a series of cognitive and other tests designed to measure intelligence. The scores are based on a bell curve, with most people falling around the average score of 100. A score of 200 is not considered a "perfect" IQ because it exceeds the highest recorded and reported scores in the real world. In fact, the highest recorded IQs are in the range of 160 to 170, which are extremely rare. Many IQ tests have a maximum score of around 160, with a few tests going up to 200, but this is rarely achieved.

Personal Experience and Reality

Over the span of my 78 years, I have undergone a dozen or so IQ tests. Each test produced a different score, but all were within the 99.9 percentile. This means that I have consistently performed in the top 0.1% of the population. A 99.9 percentile score is a reliable and meaningful score in the context of genuine IQ testing.

Far from valuing an artificial IQ score of 200, I place more value on common sense. In today’s world, where misinformation is rampant, relying on common sense is crucial. Intelligence is not just about memorizing numbers or reaching unrealistic scores; it is about critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Conclusion

So, the next time someone claims they have an IQ of 200, remind them that this is nothing more than a fantasy. Real intelligence is a complex combination of various cognitive abilities, and the scores we get from genuine IQ tests reflect this complexity. If a brain sergeant were to claim they could open up your brain and determine your IQ, know that this scenario is as ridiculous as the claim it tries to address.

Dispel myths and stay informed. Understanding the true nature of IQ scores is key to navigating the digital landscape of today.