1= Albert Hofmann (Swiss) chemist (genius factor 27)
1= Tim Berners-Lee (British) computer scientist (27)
3 George Soros (American) investor and philanthropist (25)
4 Matt Groening (American) satirist and animator (24)
5= Nelson Mandela (South African) politician and diplomat (23)
5= Frederick Sanger (British) chemist (23)
7= Dario Fo (Italian) writer & dramatist (22)
7= Stephen Hawking (British) physicist (22)
9= Oscar Niemeyer (Brazilian) architect (21)
9= Philip Glass (American) composer (21)
9= Grigory Perelman (Russian) mathematician (21)
The Guardian Have compiled a list of who their readers think are the geniuses of our time. The conditions are that you have to be still alive to be on the list.
On the most it is full of individuals you would expect to see, people who have given outstanding contributions to their field of expertise, in sciences, technology, politics, economics and cartoons…
Yes I said cartoons, seems Matt Groening has found his way to 4th in the list of alive geniuses, and who could blame him. Hands up all those who haven’t heard of the Simpsons, or so someone actually puts their hand up, how about Futurama.
Now I am guessing most people wouldn’t expect to see Matt Groening up there with the world’s intellecual greats, but lets think about this for a second, who else has a satire with such success around it’s neck.
The dictionary gives the following definitions for genius:
- Extraordinary intellectual and creative power.
- A person of extraordinary intellect and talent: “One is not born a genius, one becomes a genius” (Simone de Beauvoir).
- A person who has an exceptionally high intelligence quotient, typically above 140.
- A strong natural talent, aptitude, or inclination: has a genius for choosing the right words.
- One who has such a talent or inclination: a genius at diplomacy.
I have no idea what Matt Groening’s IQ is but i would comfortably apply any of those definitions to him, It has been 18 seasons and I am still laughing, in fact everyone I know is still lauging!
