Michael Faraday vs Stephen Hawking
Michael Faraday (IQ 175) vs Stephen Hawking (IQ 180). Side-by-side comparison of intellect, achievements, era and cultural impact.
| Born | 1791 | 1942 |
|---|---|---|
| Died | 1867 | 2018 |
| Country | ENG | GB |
| Estimated IQ | 175 | 180 |
| Best known for | Faraday's law of induction • Faraday effect • Faraday cage • Faraday constant • Faraday cup • Faraday's laws of electrolysis • Faraday's ice pail experiment • Faraday paradox | Hawking radiation, A Brief History of Time, Penrose–Hawking theorems, Black hole information paradox, Micro black hole, Primordial black hole, Chronology protection conjecture,… |
Who had the higher IQ?
By the most cited estimates, Stephen Hawking tops this matchup with an estimated IQ of 180, a 5-point margin over Michael Faraday (175). IQ estimates for historical figures are reconstructions, not test results — they sit on top of biographical evidence, productivity, and the difficulty of the problems each person solved. Treat the number as a directional signal, not a verdict.
Achievements compared
Michael Faraday is best known for: Faraday's law of induction • Faraday effect • Faraday cage • Faraday constant • Faraday cup • Faraday's laws of electrolysis • Faraday's ice pail experiment • Faraday paradox Stephen Hawking is best known for: Hawking radiation, A Brief History of Time, Penrose–Hawking theorems, Black hole information paradox, Micro black hole, Primordial black hole, Chronology protection conjecture,…
Recognition. Michael Faraday: Royal Medal (1835 and 1846) • Copley Medal (1832 and 1838) • Rumford Medal (1846) • Albert Medal (1866). Stephen Hawking: Adams Prize (1966) Eddington Medal (1975) Maxwell Medal and Prize (1976) Heineman Prize (1976) Hughes Medal (1976) Albert Einstein Award (1978) Albert Einstein Medal (1979) RAS Gold Medal (1985) Dirac Medal (1987) Wolf Prize (1988) Prince of Asturias Award (1989) Foreign Associate of the National Ac.
Different eras, different boards
The two were born roughly 151 years apart (1791 vs 1942), which matters: scientific tools, available knowledge, and intellectual culture compound. Comparing minds across eras is comparing players on different boards.
The verdict
So who was greater? The honest answer: they're not strictly comparable. By raw IQ proxy, Stephen Hawking edges out. By measurable, lasting influence in their respective field, both are anchors of the human record. If you have to pick one to bet civilization on, pick the one working on the problem you care about.