Analysing your IQ
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Polymath & Founding Father
Benjamin Franklin's IQ is estimated at 150+, placing them in the Genius classification.
This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts from the 18th Century era.
Methodology Note: This is a psychobiographical analysis based on documented behavior, contemporary accounts, and historiometric research methods. IQ estimates for historical figures are approximations derived from complexity of work and documented accomplishments. This is interpretation, not clinical diagnosis.
What made Benjamin Franklin exceptional wasn't just talent—it was a specific configuration of traits that the 18th Century rewarded. Understanding that configuration is the point of this page.
Historiometric estimate
Quintessential polymath combining scientific curiosity with practical wisdom. High openness, high extraversion, and strategic social intelligence. Master of self-improvement and networking.
The dominant archetype here is The Creator. This archetype shapes decision patterns: what feels natural, what creates friction, and what blind spots tend to emerge.
Estimated IQ is ~150+. This is a rough historiometric estimate based on documented accomplishments and contemporary accounts—not a literal measurement.
Benjamin displayed notable pragmatism, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Benjamin pursued knowledge across domains with apparent disregard for "usefulness." This polymathic drive is rare and difficult to sustain.
Benjamin displayed notable social intelligence, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Context matters: Benjamin operated in 18th Century, when the path from ambition to impact looked different than it does today. The traits are timeless; the arena was not.
Benjamin's greatest strength (Pragmatism and Curiosity) was also their greatest liability when taken to extremes.
The The Creator archetype tends to succeed in environments that reward bold action and long-term vision, but struggles in environments that demand consensus-building.
One pattern worth noting: Benjamin's output was most productive when external constraints forced focus. Without structure, the same traits that enabled greatness sometimes led to overreach.
Richard Branson represents the contemporary version of Benjamin's psychological profile. The era is different, but the underlying patterns—risk tolerance, work style, social strategy—map closely.
View Richard Branson's ProfileFor a deeper understanding of Benjamin Franklin's psychology, consider primary biographies that document behavior patterns, decision-making, and personal correspondence.
Historiometric methods used in IQ estimation are based on research by Cox (1926), Simonton (1994), and others who analyze documented accomplishments as proxies for cognitive ability.
Explore psychological profiles of contemporary figures analyzed with similar methods.
Browse All ProfilesTraits commonly observed in individuals with Benjamin Franklin's cognitive profile:
Benjamin Franklin's estimated IQ is 150+, which places them in the Genius classification. This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts—not a literal IQ test score, as standardized testing didn't exist in their era.
Yes, with an estimated IQ of 150+, Benjamin qualifies as Genius level intelligence. However, "genius" oversimplifies their profile. Their The Creator archetype, combined with Pragmatism and Curiosity, better explains their exceptional output.
Benjamin fits the The Creator archetype. Key traits include Pragmatism, Curiosity, and Social intelligence. This psychological profile explains both their strengths and documented failure modes.
The closest modern parallel to Benjamin Franklin is Richard Branson. This comparison is based on operating style, The Creator archetype, and similar trait configuration—not accomplishment level.
Benjamin's profile teaches that extreme strengths create extreme tradeoffs. Their Pragmatism and Curiosity enabled success but also created recurring friction patterns.