What is Mensa?

A Brief History of Mensa

Check out the Calendar page to see when the next event is!Mensa is a social organization formed by and for people who have scored above the 98th percentile on a recognized IQ test.

Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and Dr Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, the only qualification for membership of which was a high IQ.

The original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions. The society welcomes people from every walk of life, with the objective of enjoying each other's company and participating in a wide range of social and cultural activities. Mensa has three stated purposes:
  1. to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity,
  2. to encourage research in the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence, and
  3. to promote stimulating intellectual and social opportunities for its members.

How many members does Mensa have?

Today there are some 100,000 Mensans in 100 countries throughout the world. There are active Mensa organizations in over 40 countries on every continent except Antarctica. Membership numbers are also available for specific National Groups.

What kind of people are Members of Mensa?

Did you know that the owl is Mensa's unofficial symbol?There is no one prevailing characteristic of Mensa members other than high IQ. There are Mensans for whom Mensa provides a sense of family and others for whom it is casual. There have been many marriages made in Mensa but for many people, it is simply a stimulating opportunity for the mind.

Almost certainty most Mensans have a good sense of humor and they like to talk. And, usually, they have a lot to say.

Mensans range in age from 4 to 94, but most are between 20 and 49. In education they range from preschoolers to high school dropouts to people with multiple doctorates. There are Mensans on welfare and Mensans who are millionaires.

As far as occupations, the range is staggering. Mensa has professors and truck drivers, scientists and firefighters, computer programmers and farmers, artists, military people, musicians, laborers, police officers, glassblowers, teachers, postal workers - you name it. There are famous Mensans and prize-winning Mensans, but there are many, many whose names you wouldn't know.

What does "Mensa" mean?

The word "Mensa" means "table" in Latin. The name stands for a round-table society, where race, color, creed, national origin, age, politics, educational or social background are irrelevant.

What opinions does Mensa have?

Ms enjoy discussing just about anything!Mensa takes no stand on politics, religion or social issues. Mensa encompasses members from many different countries and cultures, and with many different points of view. For Mensa to espouse a particular point of view would go against its role as a forum for all points of view. (Of course, individual Mensa members often have strong opinions. It is said that in a room with 12 Mensans you will find at least 13 differing opinions on any given subject.)