About

What is Mensa?

Mensa, also known as the International High-IQ Society, is a membership organization and social club for people who score in the top 2% in intelligence tests.

 

Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and by Dr Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, with the only qualification for membership being a high IQ. The original aims were to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions.

 

The word “Mensa” is simply Latin for “table”, the idea being we are a round-table society where all members regardless of age, sex, race, beliefs, or income are considered equals.

 

What is the purpose of Mensa?

Mensa has three purposes:

• •To identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity;

• •To encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence; and

• •To provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.

 

About Mensa Canada

Mensa Canada was established as a national Mensa in 1967. Mensa Canada now has approximately 2,200 members across a wide range of ages, spread across five regions and 17 local chapters.