20. George Washington – IQ score: 132.5
George Washington, America’s first president (1789–1797), is often remembered as the “Father of His Country,” but his journey to greatness was anything but conventional. With only an elementary-level education, Washington’s early life was marked by hardship—his family’s poverty and his father’s death cut his schooling short. Yet, he turned adversity into opportunity, mastering mathematics, surveying, and mapmaking to become a colonial surveyor by age 17. Washington’s military career began during the chaotic French and Indian War, where he spent six grueling years learning the brutal realities of combat. Though his campaigns were a mix of triumphs and failures, they shaped his vision for a united nation. He came to believe that the fledgling states needed a strong central government to survive—a conviction that would later define his leadership.
As president, Washington’s humility, integrity, and strategic foresight set the standard for all who followed. His IQ score might place him in the middle of the pack, but his legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, practical skills, and an unwavering commitment to a greater cause. Washington’s story reminds us that greatness isn’t born from privilege or formal education—it’s forged through resilience, vision, and the courage to lead.
