A Tale Both Tragic And Inspiring: The Smartest Man To Ever Live
A Remarkable Child Prodigy Emerges
William James Sidis stood out as the most extraordinary intellectual child of his time. His brilliance during his formative years rivaled esteemed figures like John Stuart Mill and Thomas Macaulay. Astonishingly, by age two, he could read English fluently, and by four, he was producing original written work in French.
His exceptional abilities continued to flourish as he devised a formula at five to determine the day of the week for any historical date, and at eight, he revolutionized logarithms. But William’s talents extended beyond mathematics, encompassing several languages and captivating minds at an early age.
Next: What remarkable theories would William present next?
Astounding Academia with Unconventional Theories
At age 11, during his first year at Harvard University, young William astounded his peers and professors with groundbreaking theories on “Fourth Dimensional Bodies.” At a time when most students were merely beginning their intellectual journeys, William’s insights propelled him to the forefront of academic discourse.
However, his remarkable abilities were not solely due to his own efforts. At the time, many people speculated that the driving force behind his exceptional achievements was his father, Dr. Boris Sidis, who had implemented unconventional methods to awaken his son’s intellectual curiosity.
Next: Discover the controversial techniques that fueled young William’s remarkable journey.
The Influence of Dr. Boris Sidis: Unconventional Educational Practices
Dr. Boris Sidis, a Harvard psychology graduate and a close associate of William, believed in kindling intellectual activity and fostering a love for knowledge from a very young age. His methods aimed to accelerate a child’s learning, suggesting that by the age of ten, they could achieve knowledge equivalent to that of a college graduate.
Dr. Sidis criticized traditional schooling methods, blaming their emphasis on rote learning and routine for declining mental health. He proudly pointed to his son, William, as a testament to the success of his unorthodox approach.
Next: The complexity of William’s upbringing and its lasting effects on his later life.
A Controversial Upbringing and Its Consequences
Although William experienced a childhood characterized by exceptional intellectual growth, doubts emerged about its psychological normalcy. After completing his studies at Harvard, he encountered a series of unhappy incidents, taking on menial mechanical jobs to avoid deep thinking.
By the age of twenty-four, he had distanced himself from his parents, and despite his sister being a source of support and affection, reconciliation between William and his parents remained elusive. Additionally, he harbored a strong and enduring animosity towards the press, further complicating his already troubled adult life.
Next: William’s post-Harvard life as he navigates personal relationships, estrangement, and an enduring aversion to the press.
The Trials and Troubles of William’s Adult Life
Following his departure from Harvard, William faced numerous challenges in his personal life. He struggled to find fulfillment, opting for obscure mechanical jobs to avoid intellectual exertion. His relationship with his parents remained strained, and despite the divide, he shared a strong bond of brotherly love with his sister.
Notably, he developed a deep and lasting hatred for the press, exacerbating his many difficulties. As he progressed through life, the genius once celebrated for his remarkable intellect became entangled in a web of unhappy incidents, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to captivate and perplex.
Next: How the media saw William.
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