Interview with Alexei Makogon, a member of Mensa organization for people with high IQ

Mensa organization created for people with a high level of intelligence. It is believed that may become a member, only those who passed the IQ test better than 98% of the general population. Some time ago we wrote about the organization. In comments to the article we said Alexey Makogon, pointing out some inaccuracies written. Alexei not believe we could not: he is a member of the organization.

Mensa members at different times were Isaac Asimov, John McAfee and many others. It is believed that Pavel Durov is also part of the organization, however, according to Alexei, he never saw Durov forums.

We asked Alexey answer a few questions about the internal kitchen of Mensa, how it got there and how society members develop their intelligence.

- Tell me about how you got into the society.

- I heard about Mensa in early childhood. When I was 15 years old, I remembered the community went to the official website, wrote a letter to Christine Cousins ​​(Christine Cousins) (administrative manager in the Mensa. - Approx. Ed.). She gave me an email address Mensa office in Germany. There, in the office I passed the test.

- What should be done to the person who wants to join Mensa?

- There are several ways to do this. If a person lives in a country where there is a community, you can just pass the test in the office. If wishing to live where there are no representations, he can pass the test in another country and to join the international group. Also, he has the right to test any member of Mensa. So anyone can just write me at the address [email protected].

- What is society?

- It is difficult to say what the whole society. Sharing knowledge is perhaps best describes the classes of society, but it is very capacious concept. In different national groups has its own traditions. Overall employment is conducting contests, release of newspapers and magazines, SIGHT program (designed for tourists; I, for example, members of Mensa several times met at the airport and arranged the tour, I somehow also showed a city of students from the Czech Republic). Mostly still is communication. In almost all countries in the Mensa meetings decided to play mafia, chess and other games, however, the discussion of serious issues, too, is an important part of these meetings.

- Do you have a separate role of each member?

- The role of each of the one he himself has chosen (this does not apply to administrative posts such as Treasurer, Director of Development and coordinator of small national groups). You can take on the organization of events, if the interest the other participants, or to publish a newspaper, for example, organizing photo contests. Also, any party may run for the post of chairman.

- I understand that in society there is a certain hierarchy. How to move within it?

- Position the chairman (chairman) election, the procedure of the elections depends on the internal rules of each group. Typically, the chairman is chosen for the year. Prominent members of Mensa, who attend international meetings and take an active part in the life of the community, can apply for administrative positions.

- One of the founders of the organization, Professor Wyre, expressed disappointment, saying that members society spend too much time, "solving the puzzles," rather than engage in serious problems. Is it so?

- Yes it is. Wyre said so. I do not see much of a problem. Mensa allows for the development of intelligence, allows you to communicate with interesting people. This is, in general, the main objectives of the organization.

- Tell us how you support and train the intellect.

- Now I have nothing specifically to do not. Previously regularly used the Peak application for the iPhone and take omega-3.

- What books are you reading? And sites?

- I do not think that there are special books and websites "for smart." After the introduction, I began to read further only Mensa magazine. There are published scientific articles, reviews of them, the best photo contests pictures, essays on various topics. Last book read by me - a "Doppler" Erlend Lu. The novel is written in very simple language, some things may seem strange because of cultural differences. In my opinion, there is some overlap with the book "Burn the barn" by Haruki Murakami. As for the sites, more or less regularly, I read Theoryandpractice, Layfhaker, Habrahabr and sometimes I sit in social networks.

- Gives whether membership in the organization has some advantages?

- In countries where Mensa has a weight - the US, Britain, Germany, - membership provides huge advantages. I helped the membership to go to university in the Netherlands. I am familiar with the man, which the company Deloitte & Touche suggested to undergo training just because of the fact that he is a member of Mensa. In addition, participants from Germany have helped me a lot in business development.

- How are the meetings? What they are doing?

- There is no uniform standard of assembly. One meeting was held in Finland in the sauna. It was an informal meeting, of course, but still. Mensa members often organize lectures and performances, sometimes, going to just play in the mafia or poker. During the meetings not accepted to discuss political and religious topics are usually discussed news from the world of science and culture.

Now we organize society representation in Russia. Who wishes to take the test can simply write to me: [email protected]. At this point we decide to Mensa heads of administrative matters.