What was Forrest Gump‘s IQ?

In the beloved 1994 film Forrest Gump, lead character Forrest Gump is described as having an IQ score of 75 as a young boy in the 1950s. This score indicates Forrest has an intellectual disability, though he displays uncanny talents in other areas throughout his adventurous life.

Understanding the Meaning of IQ Scores

IQ stands for "intelligence quotient" – a score derived from standardized tests designed to assess human intelligence. The average IQ score is defined as 100. According to IQ test scoring guidelines:

• IQ scores between 90-109 are considered average intelligence
• IQs between 80-89 fall below average in cognitive function
• IQs between 70-79 indicate a mild intellectual disability
• IQs under 70 signify more severe levels of intellectual impairment

With an IQ of 75, the young Forrest Gump would be considered to have a borderline intellectual disability. However, IQ tests are imperfect and cannot capture all facets of human ability – as Forrest demonstrates in his achievements later in life.

Forrest Gump‘s Early Life and Disabilities

As described in the film, Forrest Gump is a boy of below-average intelligence with a curved spine requiring leg braces. But his devoted mother teaches him: "Stupid is as stupid does" – stupidity lies in our actions, not inherent abilities.

Forrest‘s lower IQ score indicates learning will be more challenging for him. Intellectual disabilities correlate with difficulties in:

• Academic learning: reading, writing, math
• Reasoning, judgment, problem solving
• Abstract and conceptual thinking

But Forrest‘s disability does not dampen his determined spirit. Though on paper his IQ qualifies him as mildly disabled cognitively, his gifts in other areas begin to shine through over a lifetime of steadfast loyalty, honesty and compassion.

The Many Talents of Forrest Gump

For all tests measure, Forrest shows savant-like adeptness at:

• Ping pong: Ranked #1 ping pong player in Army training
• Running: Crossed the country multiple times; played college football
• Chess: Champion chess player
• Shrimp fishing: Built million-dollar shrimping empire
• Oration: Delivered powerful speech on Vietnam War experience

Additionally, Forrest shows emotional intelligence far beyond his tested IQ results:

• Devotion to his mother and friends Jenny, Bubba
• Raised a son with wisdom, ethics and unconditional love
• Saved comrades in the Vietnam War through bravery
• Showed forgiveness, optimism and principle throughout challenges

Forrest‘s character arc beautifully demonstrates how qualities of loyalty and hope can outweigh purely cognitive metrics. After all, as Forrest remarks: "I am no different than anyone else."

How Does Forrest‘s IQ Compare?

To better understand Forrest‘s 75 IQ score, let‘s explore average and exceptional IQ ranges:

Based on this data, Forrest‘s childhood IQ of 75 falls under the Borderline Disability range, which contains 14.4% of the population. The bulk majority – over two-thirds people – cluster within the Normal IQ bracket between 85 to 114.

Compare Forrest‘s score to genius benchmarks:

• Celebrated physicist Stephen Hawking had an estimated IQ of ~160.
• Pioneering inventor Nikola Tesla‘s estimated IQ was ~170-190 range.
• Polymath Leonardo da Vinci‘s IQ score range was an awe-inspiring 180-220 based on today‘s tests.

Yet for all his proven intellectual firepower, there is no evidence men of such staggering genius demonstrated Forrest‘s singular capacity for kindness in even the most challenging tribulations. And in the end, Forrest‘s vibrant optimism leaves the viewer questioning: between the two, who is the brighter beacon to light the way for humanity?

The Message: Ability Over Disability

In showcasing Forrest‘s many abilities despite cognitive impairment, the uplifting message of Forrest Gump shines through. While an IQ score may quantify intelligence, it does not encapsulate the totality of a person‘s talents – or their potential to improve the lives of others.

Forrest, and films like Forrest Gump, beautifully demonstrate that giftedness comes in many packages beyond traditional academic measures. With devotion to loved ones, courage in the face of adversity, and an unrelenting belief that our destinies remain in our own hands, no disability need prove a barrier to living fully.

In Forrest‘s wise words: "Mama says miracles happen every day. Some people don‘t think so, but they do." Surely, Forrest himself is the miraculous proof in that.