Jordan Peterson needs no introduction. For the past couple of years, he has been a significant presence in academic-type discourse online and in the real world. A trained psychologist, he has worked both in practice and as a professor.
However, it's his numerous contributions to social discourse, public speaking engagements, and inspiring books that have made him famous today. You must have seen one or more videos of Jordan Peterson on IQ, how to become a high-value man and many similar topics.
As expected, many questions about his IQ score have been online, so we'll get right to it. Jordan's IQ score is widely believed to be between 145 and 156. However, he claimed to have scored 150 on an IQ test, signifying a superior level of intelligence. This claim remains unverified, though. However, with his level of intelligence always on display whenever he speaks, we might just agree with him.
What is Jordan Peterson's IQ? Has he taken IQ Tests?
So, what is Jordan Peterson's IQ? In a video posted online a couple of years ago, he claimed to have scored 150 on the Stanford-Binet test, at least 30 points more than the average IQ in the USA.
As one would expect, he has a rather superior IQ score. However, he admitted that he expects his IQ to have declined with age since he took IQ tests when he was much younger.
He also admitted a higher linguistic intelligence component than mathematical, scoring in the 99th percentile for linguistic intelligence. While these are just claims, they align with the multifacetedness of intelligence as posited by Howard Gardner in his Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.
IQ testing alone is hardly enough to capture the full extent of what IQ is.
In Jordan Peterson's case, his extensive contributions to his professional practice and social discourse demonstrate that, at the very least, he has a significant level of linguistic intelligence.
Why do we take this position? Well, he said so himself. However, we can also see it and hear it. But why don't we just show you? Read on as we connect his visible characteristics to science-backed forms of intelligence.
Analyzing Jordan Peterson: Most Notable Attributes
Peterson has consistently displayed attributes that have led many to recognize his genius. His psychological insights, public speaking and debating, writing and academic contributions, and philosophical vision have all contributed to his standing in society today.
These attributes are how he has been able to, brick by brick, build his public image and fame through intellectual discourse in a world where short-form content on social media has come to dominate most people's attention.
Below, we will discuss these attributes in further detail, outlining how each reflects a different aspect of Jordan Peterson's intelligence.
Psychological Insights - Intrapersonal Intelligence
Peterson's career in psychology extensively portrays his intrapersonal intelligence. This is because, to understand and answer psychology's questions about the human psyche, one needs to have built a significant understanding of one's self. The extent of this typically is reflected in the quality of a psychologist's work.
Peterson repeatedly explores the human psyche, addressing topics such as personal meaning and belief systems. In his widely-regarded book - Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, for example, he brilliantly discusses the interplay between the psychology of a typical person and broader cultural narratives in an attempt to explain how the everyday man views reality and derives purpose.
This level of introspection and insight into the human condition is a hallmark of high intrapersonal intelligence any day.
Also, beyond all the theorizing, Peterson has displayed an uncanny ability to apply these academic insights to practical advice, primarily his gospel on personal responsibility and resilience in today's society.
He has also spoken extensively about personal development and why it is important. The ability to bridge a link between these topics again illustrates extensive intrapersonal intelligence.
Public Speaking and Debating - Linguistic Intelligence
Public speaking has long been understood as a marker of high IQ and linguistic intelligence. Throughout history, the most successful political leaders have been highly gifted orators, which is hardly coincidental.
Linguistic intelligence, the ability to use language effectively, enables these people to communicate more effectively than most people can. This is one of Jordan's most notable attributes.
In his public speaking engagements and debates, Peterson consistently demonstrates clarity of thought and rhetorical skills. In the numerous topics that he routinely contributes to, including free speech and political correctness, he employs a strategic and persuasive use of language that leaves no one in doubt about his linguistic intelligence.
Unlike most other academics who usually belt out their arguments monotonously in their speeches, he typically uses humor, rhetorical questions, and compelling narratives. This use of literary devices sets him apart greatly and endears him to his audience.
Writing and Academic Contributions - Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
On the academic side, Peterson has always shown himself rather capable. Academic writing leans heavily on using logic to analyze complex topics and proffer solutions or opinions systematically. And he has demonstrated this time and again.
Peterson is not in the pure or applied sciences, which seem to get the most plaudits on the academic scene, but psychology, in which he works, is just as complex and important. Specifically, his research on personality and the psychology of religion. In discussing these topics, he always employs careful empirical analysis, demonstrating analytical rigor typical of logical-mathematical intelligence.
Philosophical Vision - Existential Intelligence
What kind of psychologist would Jordan Peterson be without a high dose of existential intelligence? This ability to explore the deep questions surrounding human existence is key to answering psychology's questions. Based on Jordan Peterson's extensive work in this regard, we can infer high existential intelligence.
His work consistently engages with topics like personal responsibility, the search for meaning, and the nature of suffering. Then, there are also the discussions on religious and mythological narratives.
He routinely connects these ancient narratives with modern psychological insights into the human experience. All of these reflect that he possesses a deep understanding of existential intelligence.
Link Between Jordan Peterson's IQ and His Influence
As we have mentioned earlier, most political, military, and academic leaders from across history have been people of high intelligence in one way or another. So, it's hardly surprising that someone of Jordan Peterson's intelligence has quickly built a lot of influence on global society.
This can hardly be explained away with just an IQ score alone. This is why we have outlined 4 of his stand-out attributes and the types of intelligence they are tied to. These diverse intellectual abilities - intrapersonal, linguistic, logical-mathematical, and existential intelligence- have powered his substantial influence.
We have outlined how his ability to understand deep philosophical and psychological questions and connect with a widespread contemporary audience has given him an edge that most of his fellow professors can only dream of.
Unlocking Potential: Moving Beyond Traditional IQ Testing
There is no debate about Jordan Peterson's IQ. Love or hate him, his intelligence is evident through his work across psychology, public speaking, and philosophy. Although there is no way to know whether or not his IQ score is still 150, as he has said himself, there is no questioning the fact that the man has high intelligence.
But as we shift into a new era of understanding intelligence, we must create a new account of what it truly means to be intelligent. Gone are the days when a single number could define the vast potential of the human mind. We now know that IQ scores simply do not give an accurate measurement of intelligence levels.
Today, we recognize that high intelligence is not confined to the impossible standards of traditional IQ tests. It’s about applying our thinking, logging our experiences, and connecting with others. The concept of genius has expanded beyond the confines of numbers, welcoming a spectrum of intelligence that Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences so brilliantly captures.
It’s essential to remember that you don’t need to solve a century-old problem or be a Physics wiz like Oppenheimer, Stephen Hawking, or Elon Musk to make a meaningful impact. Just as Peterson, Chomsky, and Paglia have shown, genius can manifest in diverse and unexpected ways. Your unique strengths, when cultivated, can lead to remarkable achievements in whatever field you choose.
