Analysing your IQ
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Naturalist & Biologist
Charles Darwin's IQ is estimated at 140+, placing them in the Gifted classification.
This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts from the 19th 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.
This is a psychobiographical profile of Charles Darwin—not a biography, but a behavioral lens. The goal is to extract patterns that might be useful for understanding similar minds today.
Historiometric estimate
High conscientiousness with methodical patience. Collected evidence for decades before publishing. Anxiety-prone but driven by intellectual honesty.
The dominant archetype here is The Scholar. This archetype shapes decision patterns: what feels natural, what creates friction, and what blind spots tend to emerge.
Estimated IQ is ~140+. This is a rough historiometric estimate based on documented accomplishments and contemporary accounts—not a literal measurement.
Charles displayed notable observation, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Charles displayed notable patience, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Charles displayed notable intellectual courage, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Context matters: Charles operated in 19th Century, when the path from ambition to impact looked different than it does today. The traits are timeless; the arena was not.
Charles's greatest strength (Observation and Patience) was also their greatest liability when taken to extremes.
The The Scholar 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: Charles's output was most productive when external constraints forced focus. Without structure, the same traits that enabled greatness sometimes led to overreach.
The modern mind most resembling Charles's profile is likely E.O. Wilson. Both share the The Scholar archetype and similar cognitive signatures.
For a deeper understanding of Charles Darwin'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 Charles Darwin's cognitive profile:
Charles Darwin's estimated IQ is 140+, which places them in the Gifted 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 140+, Charles qualifies as Gifted level intelligence. However, "genius" oversimplifies their profile. Their The Scholar archetype, combined with Observation and Patience, better explains their exceptional output.
Charles fits the The Scholar archetype. Key traits include Observation, Patience, and Intellectual courage. This psychological profile explains both their strengths and documented failure modes.
The closest modern parallel to Charles Darwin is E.O. Wilson. This comparison is based on operating style, The Scholar archetype, and similar trait configuration—not accomplishment level.
Charles's profile teaches that extreme strengths create extreme tradeoffs. Their Observation and Patience enabled success but also created recurring friction patterns.