The Tragic Life of William James Sidis: The Smartest Person Who Ever Lived

🧠William James Sidis had an IQ estimated to be between 250 and 300, making him one of the most intelligent individuals in history.

🏫Sidis entered Harvard University at age 11, but struggled to fit in and faced criticism and negative media attention.

📚He published a book challenging the Second Law of Thermodynamics, but it was largely ignored and received no reviews.

💔Sidis experienced personal hardships, including unrequited love, strained relationships with his parents, and declining health.

🔒Despite his exceptional intellect, Sidis chose to work menial jobs and avoid using his mathematical abilities.

What was William James Sidis' IQ?

—William James Sidis had an IQ estimated to be between 250 and 300, surpassing even that of Albert Einstein.

Did Sidis face challenges in his academic journey?

—Yes, despite entering Harvard University at age 11, Sidis faced difficulties fitting in and received negative media attention. His brilliance often made him a target of ridicule.

Was Sidis' book on the Second Law of Thermodynamics successful?

—No, his book challenging the Second Law of Thermodynamics went unnoticed and received no reviews. Sidis' work in physics and mathematics was largely overlooked.

What personal hardships did Sidis face?

—Sidis experienced unrequited love, strained relationships with his parents, and declining health. His life was filled with disappointments and challenges, despite his exceptional intellect.

Why did Sidis choose to work menial jobs instead of pursuing a career that utilized his mathematical abilities?

—Sidis avoided positions that required complex math, as he associated it with emotional and physical distress. He prioritized a simple and secluded life over professional success.

00:01William James Sidis, considered the smartest person who ever lived, was found unconscious and dying at his Boston boarding house in 1944.

00:13Sidis had an IQ estimated to be between 250 and 300, surpassing that of Albert Einstein.

00:47Despite his exceptional intelligence, Sidis struggled to fit in at Harvard University and faced negative media portrayals.

08:21Sidis published a book challenging the Second Law of Thermodynamics, but it received no reviews and was largely ignored.

09:51Sidis chose to work menial jobs and avoided using his mathematical abilities, often hiding his true intellect from coworkers.

10:08Sidis faced personal hardships, including unrequited love, strained relationships with his parents, and declining health.

12:09Sidis passed away at the age of 46 due to a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving behind a tragic and unfulfilled life.