Toddler With ‘Formidable Intellect’ Becomes the Youngest-Ever Member of Mensa

At just 2 years and 182 days old, Joseph Harris-Birtill of England has become the youngest person ever accepted into Mensa, the high-IQ society. Joseph’s parents, Dr. Rose Harris-Birtill and Dr. David Harris-Birtill, both lecturers at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, say their son displayed advanced development from an early age. Rose told Guinness World Records that Joseph rolled over at 5 weeks, spoke his first word at 7 months, and read his first book aloud at 21 months. By 2 years and 3 months old, Joseph could read fluently for 10 minutes, count to 10 in 5 languages, and count forwards and backwards over 100. He also knows the Greek alphabet and is learning Morse code, with a recent interest in the periodic table. Rose describes Joseph as “very kind and loving, confident and curious,” noting he does not yet realize he is more advanced than his peers. (People)