Do Good Writers Need a High IQ?

Common misconceptions surrounding the cognitive abilities of writers often lead to the belief that writers with high IQs are the most successful. While it's true that intelligence plays a role in writing, it is far from the only, or even the most crucial, factor.

Dispelling the Myth

The IQ of many celebrated writers does not match the traditional definition of a 'high IQ.' Ken Follett, for instance, boasts an IQ of 137 and is arguably one of the top five most talented writers of the 20th century. Aldous Huxley, with an IQ of 146, is celebrated for his intellectual brilliance, yet he too did not exemplify traditional intellect.

Studies have shown that the average science fiction writer in history has an IQ of about 146, while non-fiction writers average around 143. These numbers might seem high, but they are not indispensible qualities for success in writing. Many successful authors, including those with doctorate degrees and some with only a GED (General Educational Development), have proven that intelligence is not the exclusive requirement for writing exceptional works.

Personal Experience and Perspective

My personal experience also challenges this notion. Although my IQ is just slightly above average, I have faced certain learning disabilities. Despite these challenges, writing remains both my passion and a natural talent. It is not about how smart you are but about your desire to tell your story. Writers come from all walks of life, with varying educational backgrounds and intellectual capacities.

The Importance of Other Qualities

While intelligence is a significant factor, other qualities such as talent, creativity, imagination, and storytelling drive are often more critical. These attributes usually coexist with a higher IQ but are not solely dependent on it. High IQ can be a bonus, but it is not the cornerstone of being a good or great writer.

Interestingly, the ability to focus is far more important in fields like chess. David Navara, a chess grandmaster at just 17, scored below 130 on the Mensa test. Similarly, the Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk, a highly successful author, scored just 125. These examples illustrate that exceptional skills can be achieved without a phenomenal IQ.

It is important to recognize that higher IQ may correlate with certain levels of success, wealth, and accomplishment, but these measures can be overvalued. Many writers with average or even below-average IQs have achieved remarkable success in their fields. Success in writing is more about passion, persistence, and an innate ability to captivate readers.

Challenges and Realities

Some may argue that a high IQ fosters greater success, but this is not always the case. For instance, some of my less academically inclined friends have gone on to achieve great things, while others have struggled despite their higher IQs. Success in writing is highly subjective and often determined more by personal drive and talent than by IQ.

The link between high IQ and traditional markers of success, such as wealth and status, is often overstated. In fact, a very high IQ can sometimes lead to loneliness, substance abuse, and social isolation. Many highly intelligent individuals feel disconnected from their peers and struggle with the pressures of societal expectations.

For example, the most intelligent person I have ever known succumbed to depression and left the world at the age of 31, reportedly due to feelings of abandonment and despair. Such cases serve as a stark reminder that while high IQ is certainly advantageous, it does not guarantee success or happiness.

Concluding Thoughts

The myth that good writers must have a high IQ can be detrimental to aspiring writers who may feel discouraged by tests or by societal pressure. Writing is a deeply personal and creative endeavor, and success in it is best measured by the power of influence one has over their readers. Whether you have a high IQ or not, the key is to find your voice and tell your story with passion and authenticity.