Serving an astonishing 4 terms, “FDR” is one of the United States’ most celebrated former Presidents. Leading Americans through the Great Depression and World War II, his ‘New Deal’ reforms greatly changed the perception of the government in the public eye. With a high IQ of 150.5, Roosevelt is one of our ‘unicorn’ Presidents; living up to his intellect with policies to match. His social programs and World War II leadership cemented America’s leadership on a global level.
There’s a reason he was re-elected 4 times! However, once again, the siren’s call of his wife’s social secretary, Lucy Mercer, was too strong for him to resist partaking in an extra-marital affair. We all have needs..right?
30. John Adams (No. 2) - IQ 155
John Adams was many things, and one of the only men of his time to not be a slaveholder! Thoughtfully remembered as a remarkable political philosopher, Adams served as the second President of the United States. One of the Founding Fathers, his hand in drafting the Constitution as well as in ending the Revolutionary War were turning points in U.S history.
Whilst he had an extremely high IQ of 155, it was his son, John Quincy Adams who would go on to have the greater mind of the two. He passed away at an astonishingly old age, at 90 years of age. In those days, that was unheard of! Perhaps there’s a link to smarts and long life?
31. Millard Fillmore (No. 13) - IQ 149
We thought it was ABBA who made it cool to kiss the teacher, but not so! Fillmore, with an IQ of 149, was as much a slave to his carnal urges as any other young teenage man. Just two years her junior, Millard was so enchanted by Abigail Powers (no, that is not a made-up name!), that he asked her hand in marriage, which she accepted. However, it seems that his head was in the clouds rather than with the interests of the nation, with his term plunging the nation into the Civil War.
At the end of the day, it seems a lot of these “intelligent” men with high IQs have the same Achilles heel as any average man. Fillmore was, and still is remembered as widely unpopular, consistently ranked as one of America’s worst presidents.
33. Abraham Lincoln (No. 16) - IQ 150
With an IQ of 150, Abraham Lincoln was as intelligent as he was famous. In a period of time where education was hard earned, and with a humble background, Lincoln’s personal struggle and accession to public office are extremely impressive. He most famously issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which freed many slaves.
His great IQ served him well, with a quote from his Second Inaugural Address engraved on the Lincoln Memorial in D.C.: “with malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive to finish the work we are in…”, truly highlighting his foresight and free-thinking ability. He was certainly a trailblazer, and sadly had barely served a term, murdered by a disillusioned anarchist. He is remembered for his rousing addresses and is immortalised on the 5-dollar bill.
34. Chester Arthur (No. 21) - IQ 152.3
Yippee-Ki-Yay… Oh, you mean Chester Arthur is known for more than the reference in Die Hard? Sorry, we digressed for a moment there. With an IQ of 152.3, Arthur holds his own among the smartest Presidents. An American attorney and politician, Arthur held office following Garfield’s assassination.
With a lack-lustre term in office, Chester Arthur may have held one of the higher IQs, however it seems that he is more regarded in his death than he was during his time as President. Can’t win them all can you?