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The Unofficial New Members’ Guide – an Intro to Mensa...

A Brief History 

Mensa was formed in 1946 in England by Roland Berril and Lancelot Lionel Ware, who decided that there should be a society for people with high lQs — a place where people from all backgrounds and educational levels could meet to discuss ideas. The name “Mensa” (meaning table) was chosen, and a new organisation sprouted.

The official stated purposes of Mensa are:

  • to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity;
  • to encourage research in the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence;
  • to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.

    • The first two are met through such things as the awarding of scholarships,and the gifted children programme (Many Mensans have them; each Mensan was one.) A stimulating intellectual and social environment is available to all who want it through the many weekly, monthly, yearly and sporadic activities organised by local and national members.
     

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