mensa

Mensa is an international high IQ society whose purpose is to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity. It was founded in 1946 in Oxford, England, by barrister Roland Berrill and scientist Lancelot Ware. The organization operates as a non-political, non-sectarian association for its members and maintains a network of national and local groups around the world. Mensa emphasizes social and intellectual opportunities, including gatherings, lectures, and problem-solving activities.

Membership is open to individuals who score at or above the 98th percentile on a standardized IQ test or on an approved alternative assessment. Acceptable scores can come from qualified professional tests like the WAIS or Stanford-Binet, or from taking a Mensa-supervised test. Applicants must submit verifiable documentation, and upon verification are admitted as members. Most national Mensa organizations collect annual dues and offer local events, publications, and online forums for members.

Activities commonly organized by Mensa groups include social events, lectures, debates, and shared-interest gatherings, along with national or regional conferences. The organization also publishes periodicals such as Mensa Bulletin and maintains various online resources. In addition, Mensa provides educational and research-oriented programs through affiliated foundations in some countries.

Critics often describe Mensa as an elitist club, noting that IQ is only one measure of cognitive ability and does not capture all forms of intelligence or potential. Proponents emphasize that membership signals access to a community focused on intellectual engagement and mutual support.