The Benefits of Joining Mensa: Cultivating Human Intelligence Through Engaging Conversations

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be part of Mensa, the world's oldest and largest high IQ society? Joining Mensa can offer a unique platform for individuals to engage in intellectually stimulating and enriching conversations. This article explores the various ways Mensa fosters human intelligence through its vibrant communities.

Understanding Mensa and Its Role in Human Intelligence

Mensa is not just about celebrating intelligence; it is about fostering and stimulating it. The society offers a diverse range of activities, from monthly lectures to game playing, which cater to the varied interests of its members. Some local groups hold monthly lectures, while others organize lunch bunch meetings and regional gatherings once a year. These events provide a platform for members to engage in thought-provoking discussions and activities designed to enhance cognitive abilities.

A Personal Journey: Discovering Mensa at the Age of 50

My journey with Mensa began at the age of 50, sparked by an encounter on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Chicago. I met Ian, an American Mensa member, during our flight, and he and I had a fascinating conversation that reminded me of the ones I used to have with my childhood friend, Ian. Despite our shared brilliance recognized early on, the opportunity for such engaging discussions was scarce in my everyday life.

Our story began in a classroom where we both were identified as exceptionally bright by our parents and peers. By the age of three, I was already reading my first book without stopping and understanding analogue time. My family allowed me access to both children's books and the adult library, encouraging my curiosity and intellectual growth. However, my intellectual stimulation was cut short when I lost contact with Ian after leaving school.

Rekindling the Flame: Celebrating Intellectual Conversations

It wasn't until a chance encounter on a Chicago flight that I was rekindled with the spirit of these engaging conversations. I found myself once again participating in intense and unpredictable discussions with fellow Mensa members. These members all have at least a 98th percentile IQ, providing a stimulating environment for intellectual discourse. I cherish these conversations, which often continue late into the night over a few beers and a short ride home.

Cognitive Stimulation and Expert Collaboration

One of the highlights of these conversations is the opportunity to engage with professionals in various fields. During a nuclear physics debate with a member of my local Mensa group who was a professional nuclear physicist, I found myself cited as a source in his paperwork. This experience was not only gratifying but also humbling, as it validated the value of my contributions, even in an academic context.

Ultimately, it is the richness and depth of the conversations that make joining Mensa so rewarding. Intellectual stimulation through these conversations not only enhances cognitive abilities but also fosters a sense of community and shared intellectual space. Whether it is through a professional research advancement or a casual conversation over a few beers, Membership in Mensa provides a unique platform for personal and intellectual growth.