William James Sidis (1898-1944) was an American mathematician, linguist, writer, and inventor. He was renowned for his high intelligence, demonstrating remarkable talent even as a child.
Sidis had an extremely high IQ, estimated to be between 250 and 300. At the age of 11, he became the youngest student in Harvard University history, where he studied mathematics and philosophy. He later also pursued linguistics, physics, and other fields. In addition, he wrote books and articles.
His unusual talent and interest in unusual things earned him the nickname “the smartest man in the world.” However, his relationship with the public was complicated and not always positive. His talent also came with demands and expectations, which ultimately led to his abandonment of the academic path and his increasing withdrawal into himself.
After leaving the academic path, Sidis pursued invention and writing, but he never achieved the success that was expected of him. He died in 1944 at the age of 46 from a stroke.