You already possess a far more important health trait than you may think

Late Sir Isaac Newton and late William James Sidis, featuring among the top 10 most intelligent souls who have ever lived on our planet, owe their extraordinary intelligence to the trait. Newton, an amazing genius physicist, mathematician, astronomer and alchemist is regarded as the most powerful and greatest scientist who has ever lived. His scientific accomplishments not only conduced to the 17th century scientific revolution but also led to modern technologies. Sidis’s intellectual capabilities are far more than stunning; you can’t actually find words to describe or explain his capabilities. He is affirmed to be the smartest person of all time. For example, he is said to have managed to read a newspaper, when he was only 18months years-old.

This article has been designed to address the trait which enables such geniuses to bear that level of intelligence quotient, and as already said, you already carry the trait. But before dealing with the trait, we are going to furnish you with additional information on the aforementioned geniuses; it will help you to perfectly understand the mammoth importance of the trait. The lack of only one seemingly insignificant aspect of the trait has caused a prominent man to commit a mistake which has attracted the death of several people including him, as you will notice it. I will also furnish my recent case which corroborates the colossal importance of the trait. So, the article specifically comprises these sections:

1.      Additional and important details on Newton

2.     Further and important information on Sidis

3.     What is the trait which contributes to such genius?

4.    Intellectual health, a far more important health trait than you may think

5.     Death, as a consequence of failing in one aspect of intellectual health

6.    My own case which is likely to cause me a huge loss

Newton [January 4, 1643 to March 31, 1727]

Also maintaining that Newton’s work has accomplished a gigantic role in the scientific revolution, Business Insider says that Isaac’s intelligence quotient [IQ] was colossally elevated. “Most famous for his law of gravitation, Sir Isaac Newton was instrumental in the scientific revolution of the 17th century. His estimated IQ scores range from 190 to 200 by different measures.

Business Insider adds that he wrote the book "Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica," which is extensively believed to constitute the most influential book on physics and possibly all of science. “Although some of his assumptions were eventually proven wrong, Newton's universal principles of gravity had no parallels in science at the time. ”

Sidis [ April 1, 1898 to July 17, 1944]

BBC Science Focus’ 5th January 2024 article reads “William James Sidis is the benchmark for child prodigies. He was reportedly able to read the newspaper aged just 18 months and entered Harvard University aged 11, graduating at 16. He wrote various studies, including creating a constructed language in the Book Of Vendergood (aged 8) and The Animate And The Inanimate;(which covered cosmology and the reversibility of the second law of thermodynamics and predicts the black hole).

The BBC Focus adds "In Psychology For The Millions, Abraham Sperling details how he had been told by Helena Sidis (William's sister) that a few years before his death, her brother Bill [Sidis] took an intelligence test with a psychologist. Sperling explains that William Sidis' score was the very highest that had ever been obtained. In terms of IQ, the psychologist related that the figure would be between 250 and 300."In the years since, however, the claims of Sidis' IQ score have been heavily disputed.”

It is really extremely harsh, if not impossible, to believe that Sidis could read a newspaper, when he was only 18 months old. Nonetheless, different other credible sources including the Washington Post and the New York Times all confirm that it is true that Sidis read the newspaper at that age. These mega media echo each other with regard to Sidis.

The Washington Post says that Sidis was arguably the country's first super-baby, seen perpetual early stimulation. “He spoke his first word at six months, could read the newspaper by 18 months, and taught himself Greek at four. By the time he reached school age, he had learned eight languages, and he would eventually go on to learn all the world's major languages and to create one of his own, called Vendergood.” The languages include Latin, Greek, French, Russian, German, Hebrew, Turkish, and Armenian.

This giant medium contends that it was actually in mathematics that Sidis outshined. “Enrolled at Harvard at age 11, he lectured the prestigious Harvard Mathematical Club the same year on the topic of the fourth dimension. He was the most famous child prodigy of his day, astounding audiences with public feats of mental calculation.”

Though he excelled in mathematics, The New York Times points out that the discipline constituted the one major subject which he hated. “But his parents steered him toward it, and by the time he was 8 he had devised a new table of logarithms.”

The New York Times adds “When he was 9, his father tried to enroll him at Harvard - he had already passed the Harvard Medical School anatomy exam - but he was not accepted until two years later. His arrival at the university, as the youngest student ever to enroll there, was the occasion for a story on the front page of The New York Times, a paper that he had begun reading at the age of 18 months. By his second year he was spelling, reading and counting; at the age of 3 he taught himself Latin and Greek.

These were only some of the precocious feats that soon began attracting the attention of the press, at first in his native Boston and then beyond. In the next few years he mastered a whole series of languages, invented a new Esperanto-like language of his own, and wrote workmanlike textbooks on (among other things) grammar and astronomy.”

What is the trait which contributes enormously to such genius?

The trait is intellectual health. The latter one means a dimension of well-being which includes the ability to think critically, learn new things, and engage in activities that stimulate mental growth. It consists of various areas of cognitive functioning which involves intellect, creativity, problem-solving skills, and the capacity to process information effectively.

Critical thinking signifies the ability to examine information objectively, assess arguments, and take reasoned judgments. Continuous learning involves willingness to acquire new knowledge and skills, through different ways comprising formal education, self-directed study, or experiential learning. Creativity is the capacity to produce original ideas, think outside the box, and handle challenges from unusual perspectives.

Creativity is one of the most important aspects, since it is this aspect which leads to innovation. In other words, it is this field which has generated all inventions and innovations which have ever existed and remains the same tool which will beget all innovations to come in the future.

Adaptability refers to openness to new ideas and viewpoints, and the capacity to fit to changes in one's environment or circumstances. Problem-solving constitutes the skill to pinpoint problems, formulate effective and efficient solutions, and then execute the solutions to overcome obstacles. Intellectual stimulation involves engaging in activities which stimulate the mind, like reading, puzzles, games, discussions, or hobbies which demand mental effort. Emotional intelligence refers to understanding and managing your own emotions and empathizing with others. Emotional intelligence plays a key role in effective communication and interpersonal relationships.

Intellectual health, a far more important health trait than you may think

First of all, virtually every human is a genius. It is even corroborated by these words lying in Finances Online. “These people [ such as Newton and Sidis] might appear remarkable and rare, but genius is more prevalent than we imagine it to be,” it says. Albert Einstein also once said “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.”

The German-born theoretical physicist and philosopher of science was Einstein born on March 14, 1879 and deceased on April 18, 1955. He also figures among the most intelligent personalities whom this world has produced. 

We concur with him that every person is a genius. The only issue is that most people lack this awareness, so that their genius or natural abilities eventually wane, if they aren’t developed. It has already been said that Intellectual stimulation is conducted through activities which stimulate the mind, like reading.

Even Newton himself, for him to be one of the most brilliant minds, he has worked hard, as we find it in these words from Biography “During his first three years at Cambridge [University], Newton was taught the standard curriculum but was fascinated with the more advanced science. All his spare time was spent reading from the modern philosophers.” This signifies that high IQ is cultivable.

Biography forms the website for the television show “Biography” seen on the A&E Television Network. The network constitutes an American multinational broadcasting company being a joint venture between Hearst Communications and The Walt Disney Company through its Entertainment department.

As you have seen it, intellectual health stands as a vital component for person’s good health, life and success. For example, Thomas Alva Edison also featuring among the top 10 most intelligent people utilized his IQ, to become a prolific inventor and leading businessman. “In building America’s economy he was the mastermind behind discoveries and innovations and front-runner of America’s first technological revolution,” says the website, Jagran Josh.

In the meanwhile, intellectual health is interrelated to other dimensions of wellness like emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health. A balanced and healthy intellectual life contributes to general well-being and enriches one's quality of life.

Intellectual health and IQ are definitely interlinked, though they represent distinct concepts. Intellectual health actually encompasses different aspects of well-being relating to intellectual pursuits, cognitive abilities, and lifelong learning. However, IQ constitutes a measure of cognitive intelligence, typically evaluated through standardized tests which assess reasoning abilities, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive aptitudes.

In terms of problem-solving skills, both intellectual health and IQ bear the ability to effectively solve problems and adapt to new challenges. Individuals with higher IQ usually stand as more adept at finding solutions to problems, by thinking critically and applying logical reasoning. All these form essential components of intellectual health.

As for learning and knowledge acquisition, intellectual health involves devotion to continuous learning and the acquisition of new knowledge. IQ may not directly determine one's willingness to acquire knew knowledge and skills, but individuals with higher IQs normally find it easier for to grasp complex concepts and acquire new information. This leads to enhanced intellectual development and health.

With regard to curiosity and intellectual engagement, intellectual health is generally characterized by curiosity which is thirst for knowledge, and active engagement in intellectual pursuits. Individuals with higher IQs usually exhibit greater curiosity and intellectual curiosity, prompting them to explore diverse topics, seek new experiences, and engage in lifelong learning activities.

About academic and professional achievement, higher IQ scores are often associated with academic success, professional achievement, and career advancement. IQ does not the sole predictor of success, but individuals possessing higher IQs enjoy a competitive advantage in academic settings and professional environments. This contributes to their overall intellectual health and well-being.

IQ and intellectual health are interconnected. However, it's crucial to recognize that they represent different dimensions of cognitive functioning and overall well-being. As already indicated, intellectual health encompasses a broader range of factors beyond cognitive intelligence, involving emotional well-being, social connections, personal fulfillment, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Therefore, developing intellectual health necessitates attention to various spheres of well-being, not only cognitive abilities measured by IQ tests.

Death, as a consequence of failing in one aspect of intellectual health

As already said, intellectual health is paramount. Another way to prove it is the following case of Colonel Johann Rall, according to the website-Procrastinus.

Colonel Rall was a German commander of Hessian troops at the Battle of Trenton, a turning point in the American War of Independence. Procrastinus says that George Washington crossed the Delaware River with his troops in preparation for a surprise attack on the Hessian forces on Christmas night in 1776. “According to one account, Rall was busy playing cards that night when he was handed a note from a local Loyalist warning him Washington’s forces were approaching. Rall wanted to finish the card game first, so he put the note in his coat pocket without reading it.”

“Washington’s soldiers attacked the next morning and captured most of the Hessian forces after a brief battle, with negligible losses to the Americans. Rall was struck by a musketball while leading his troops in retreat and died from his injuries a few hours later. The note warning him about the attack was later found in his coat pocket, still unopened.”

 The story is confirmed by Sermon Central in the following words. “During the Revolutionary War, a loyalist spy appeared at the headquarters of Hessian Commander Colonel Johann Rall, carrying an urgent message. General George Washington and his Continental army had secretly crossed the Delaware River that morning and were advancing on Trenton, New Jersey where the Hessians were encamped.

The spy was denied an audience with the commander and instead wrote his message on a piece of paper. A porter took the note to the Hessian colonel, but because Rall was involved in a poker game he stuffed the unread note into his pocket. When the guards at the Hessian camp began firing their muskets in a futile attempt to stop Washington’s army, Rall was still playing cards. Without time to organize.”

The colonel lacked one component of intellectual health which is key, namely curiosity. We can argue that curiosity is the mother of all inventions, discoveries and technologies; various sources support us.

The National Institutes of Health [NIH] forms the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research. In its article headlined “Curiosity: The greatest virtue of man?”, it states “Intellectuals such as Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Edison, Aristotle shared a set of strategies that could be imagined only by a few people. It is a common saying that none cuts a diamond, but a diamond. Poison is the treatment for poison. A lifesaving drug is processed from snake venom to treat snake poisoning.

These are the phenomenal effects and properties of the elements. Man never knew these natural cures and remedies, but his curiosity and inquisitiveness has made him to discover all this. Man has made a plethora of newer and newer discoveries in the technologies and methodologies, from the discovery of gene, stem cells, auto-transplantation to stem cell generation from urine and nails, etc. The global literature is full of ventures and laurels that the medical research has brought.”

Times of India in its 16th March 2016 article says “While the world still mourns the loss of Professor Hawking — a renowned scientist famed for his work on black holes and relativity, I [ Dr. Ajit Varwandkar, a Career Psychologist and a Thought Process Transformation Expert by profession, and writer of the article] am stuck with some curiosities.

Why do we have only a limited number of extraordinary scientist on earth? Why are we not able to nurture such incredibly intelligent talent in large numbers? Curiosity is the mother of invention, they say. It was the curiosity of knowing the reason behind the fall of an apple which made Isaac Newton invent the Laws of Motion. Aryabhatt, Kepler, Einstein and a few more, were those super-brains who led the path to scientific advances.”

Dr. Varwandkar asks himself “why, we did not have another Galileo since generations? Why is that a person who was on a wheelchair from the age of 21, had so much to contribute to the world of science, while those who have access to facilities and luxuries reach nowhere close? Why don’t we have more CV Ramans, Homi Bhabha’s, Ramanujans?

Another question, which triggers, is to understand how these super intelligent scientists could bring out universally powerful inventions in the absence of advanced tools and technology! I am sure there were no calculators, no mechanism to measure gravity or no instrument to calibrate resistance et al. in those days!”

He concludes, saying my opinion that even the current generation too bears the potential to accomplish path-breaking researches & discoveries. He nonetheless points out that the current generation’s curiosities are misplaced and not aligned with productivity.

My own recent case also corroborating the gargantuan importance of curiosity in everyone's life

In March 2024, I found myself obliged to procure a certain clearance document for me to get a service. On the 22nd of the month I went to an institution which had to intervene for the document to be issued. But I had to fulfil a certain responsibility [ which I won’t mention] for the institution to intervene. So, I accomplished the responsibility on the same date and I alerted the institution’s manager that I urgently needed the clearance; otherwise, I would face an extremely serious problem.  She assured me that I would have obtained by around the 5th April 2024.

In the meanwhile, I forgot requesting her for a telephone number. But I didn’t regard it as a problem, especially since I trusted what she’d told me and that I had told her that I wanted the document urgently. So, believed that she would also consider it very seriously. The institution’s intervention was to just notify another organ, which issues the document, that I was already entitled to the clearance since March 22, 2024.

When I reached the final stage of receiving the service on the 11th April 2024, I was shocked to learn that the institution had not furnished the notification.

I immediately felt so devastated that I rushed to the institution. I unfortunately found that the manager, as the only person responsible for that particular service, was on a leave. But a man whom I met there reassured me that they would assist me so that on the following day I would secure the clearance document.

A great mistake which I’d perpetrated is that I remained uncurious till the last minute when I was just informed by another organization which is prepared to serve me. But this organization can’t do so, unless I present the clearance. If I had been curious, I would assuredly have known that the other institution had accomplished nothing to help obtain the document.

I discovered it only very few minutes after I met the man. In fact, the manager’s institution forgot recognizing me as a person who had just fulfilled the responsibility on the date of 22nd March 2024. It is on the 11th April 2024 specifically at 15h 20 that they certified that I completed my responsibility, according to an automatic notification from their system which reached me.

Seeing the phone text message, I returned there since I’d just left there after they’d just promised me that they’d already settle the issue urgently. Returning there, I telephoned the man who had received me. Then, I remembered asking him for the telephone number. When I asked him about the message, he replied me that it’s then that they’d just done it, “Because of so much work, our manager has forgotten doing it.”

I asked him for the manager’s number for me to conduct follow-up with her, but he refused to give me their manager’s telephone number. I felt frustrated, since I needed the phone number so that I might call and ask her to take instantaneous action, for me not to miss the opportunity. He instead reassured me “Don’t worry, we are going to work on it urgently; we can’t be pleased to cause you to lose the great opportunity.”

On the 12th April 2024 at 9h40, I called the man again. To be frank, he responded somehow offensively with these words “What we had to do, we already accomplished it yesterday; we can now add nothing else. If unsatisfied, come to see our manager; she is now working.” In fact, these words alone can’t suffice to expose the man’s rudeness. It is his tone which indicated it to me.

At 11h20 I left my office where I work, to go to the exact organ which certifies that you are permitted to be delivered the service that I needed. To my utter surprise, I was told that the other institution had actually accomplished nothing.

I returned to the institution, especially to see the manager. I arrived there at 12h25 and was received at 11h05. The first thing which the manager accomplished was to request for apology. “I’m very sorry, because of too much work which I then bore before me, I completely forgot. But, I’m going to perform every endeavor for you to have obtained the clearance on Monday 15th April 2024. Let me now call a person in the organ, for him to help us do it quickly since it is really urgent. Take my number, so you may call me on Monday at around 11AM.”

She instantly furnished me with the number, and called the person who assured her that he could intervene for the issue to be quickly and urgently handled on the date. It means that even right now I am writing this article, I’m still waiting. I don’t know whether issuing me the clearance on that date will help me. The same date of 15th April 2024 is the final one on which the organization to serve is expected to serve others who meet requirements necessarily the clearance. I’m likely to miss the huge opportunity, because of my failing to remain curious.

In light of all this, don’t you really have care a lot more about intellectual health than you used to do?

If not convinced yet, our next edition titled “Scientific Revolution, another decisive proof of intense importance of intellectual health” will certainly persuade you.

By Jean Baptiste Ndabananiye- Media, Empowerment& MBA.

Management and Journalism Professional/Consultant with a demonstrated history/experience of involvement in women’s empowerment, project/program management, peace-building/conflict transformation, training, public awareness campaigns, governance and budget transparency, advocacy, documentation, the broadcast media industry, and community justice, among others.

He is skilled, among others, in English and French, Project& Program Management, Media Production, Peace-building, Leadership, Advocacy, and Kinyarwanda- English-French Translation, and Mind-Body Connection and its Link with Health through extensive reading and investigation about these two fields as well as Health Reporting and Communication. Strong management, media and communication professional with a Bachelor's and Master's focused in Journalism& Communication and MBA-Project Management respectively from University of Rwanda and Mount Kenya University.