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?
32. Franklin D. Roosevelt (No. 32) - IQ 150.5
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?
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.
35. Theodore Roosevelt (No. 26) - IQ 153
Following the assassination of William McKinley, the 42-year-old Roosevelt became the youngest President in the nation’s history. His strong policies and enthusiasm made him a force to be reckoned with; not just in the Oval Office, but in the ring too. Float like a butterfly, sting like a -President? The second-most popular Roosevelt was the smarter of the two with an IQ of 153, yet also liked to knock around those brain cells of his.
At Harvard University he dabbled in boxing and continued this activity during his time at the White House. Maybe there’s a correlation between a high IQ and keeping fit? Don’t switch off your alarm tomorrow morning folks, get to the gym!
36. Woodrow Wilson (No. 28) - IQ 155.2
Leading the U.S through the greatest war the world had ever seen, Wilson served from 1913 to 1921. An advocate for world peace, Wilson is ranked as one of America’s greatest Presidents. His hand in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles as well as his “Fourteen Points” peace settlement have their place in the history books.
Wilson’s League of Nations was a forerunner to the United Nations; an institution which has grown to be a body on ensuring the wellbeing of all. His great intellect served him well; whilst he was not a great orator, his thinking was forward, and utilitarian in approach. “The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.” Trump clearly isn’t listening. Might be worth taking a leaf out of his book, eh Donald?