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The meaning of Mensa
Mensa is an international society whose only qualification for membership is a score in the top 2 percent of the general population on a standardized intelligence test.
The word mensa means table in Latin; similarly, mens means mind and mensis means month.
Therefore, the name Mensa is reminiscent of mind, table, month, which suggests a monthly meeting of great minds around a table.
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The founding of Mensa
Mensa was founded in Great Britain in 1946 by two English barristers, Roland Berrill and Dr. Lionel Ware.
Internationally, 100,000 members represent more than 100 countries. As of March 31, 2005, American Mensa had 52,554 members.
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The founding of American Mensa
American Mensa was founded in 1960. The first meeting took place on September 30, 1960, at the Brooklyn home of Peter and Ines Sturgeon with four other members attending.
By 1963, the organization had grown to 1,000 members. By its 40th anniversary, American Mensa had approximately 47,000 members. Its headquarters is located in Arlington, Texas.
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The purposes of Mensa
Mensa has three purposes, which are outlined in its constitution. They are:
1. To identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
2. To encourage research into the nature, characteristics and uses of intelligence.
3. To provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members.
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