25 Facts About William James Sidis

Who Was William James Sidis?

William James Sidis was an American child prodigy with an IQ estimated to be between 250 and 300. His life was filled with extraordinary achievements and fascinating quirks. Here are some intriguing facts about this remarkable individual.

1. Born on April 1, 1898, in New York City, Sidis showed signs of genius from a very young age.

2. By the age of 18 months, he could read The New York Times.

3. At age 6, he could speak eight languages: English, French, German, Russian, Hebrew, Turkish, Armenian, and Latin.

4. Sidis wrote four books between the ages of 4 and 8, including a grammar book for his invented language, Vendergood.

Academic Achievements

Sidis's academic prowess was nothing short of legendary. His educational journey is a testament to his extraordinary intellect.

5. At age 9, he passed the entrance exam for Harvard University but was initially denied admission due to his age.

6. He finally entered Harvard at age 11, becoming the youngest student ever admitted.

7. By age 16, he graduated cum laude with a degree in mathematics.

8. Sidis delivered a lecture on four-dimensional bodies to the Harvard Mathematical Club at age 11, astonishing professors and students alike.

Post-Harvard Life

Despite his early academic success, Sidis's life after Harvard was marked by a desire for privacy and a series of low-profile jobs.

9. He enrolled in Harvard Law School but left after one year, disillusioned with the legal profession.

10. Sidis worked various menial jobs, including as a clerk and a machine operator, to avoid public attention.

11. He was arrested in 1919 for participating in a socialist demonstration, leading to a brief imprisonment.

12. Sidis sued The New Yorker in 1944 for an article that invaded his privacy, winning a small settlement.

Intellectual Pursuits

Sidis never stopped learning and exploring new ideas. His intellectual curiosity spanned a wide range of subjects.

13. He wrote numerous books and articles under pseudonyms, covering topics like cosmology, American Indian history, and public transportation systems.

14. Sidis developed a theory of the origin of the universe, which he called "cosmological reversibility."

15. He was fascinated by streetcar systems and wrote a comprehensive history of public transportation in the United States.

16. Sidis invented a perpetual calendar that could calculate the day of the week for any date in history.

Personal Life and Legacy

Sidis's personal life was as enigmatic as his intellectual pursuits. His legacy continues to intrigue and inspire.

17. He lived a reclusive life, avoiding relationships and social interactions.

18. Sidis's parents were both intellectuals; his father was a renowned psychologist, and his mother was a physician.

19. He had a strained relationship with his parents, who pushed him to achieve greatness from a young age.

20. Sidis died of a cerebral hemorrhage on July 17, 1944, at the age of 46.

21. Despite his reclusive nature, Sidis maintained a close friendship with a woman named Martha Foley, who later became a prominent editor.

22. His life inspired the 1981 biography "The Prodigy" by Amy Wallace.

23. Sidis's story has been the subject of numerous articles, books, and documentaries, highlighting both his genius and his struggles.

24. His IQ is often cited as one of the highest ever recorded, though the exact number remains a topic of debate.

25. Sidis's life raises important questions about the pressures of early success and the challenges faced by child prodigies.

The Enigma of William James Sidis

William James Sidis remains a fascinating figure. His intelligence and achievements continue to captivate many. From his early entrance to Harvard to his mastery of multiple languages, Sidis's life was anything but ordinary. Despite his brilliance, he faced many challenges, including societal pressures and personal struggles. His story serves as a reminder that genius often comes with its own set of difficulties. Sidis's contributions to mathematics, linguistics, and cosmology are still remembered today. His life, though marked by triumphs and tribulations, offers valuable lessons about the complexities of human potential. Whether viewed as a prodigy or a misunderstood genius, Sidis's legacy endures, prompting us to reflect on the true nature of intelligence and success.