Marilyn Monroe vs Albert Einstein
Never judge a book by its cover
(Thanks to my inquisitive uncle - more like a brother - Troy Henager - for pointing this out to me on Christmas Day.)
A conversation between America’s sweetheart and beauty icon and the venerable Albert Einstein allegedly went like this:
Monroe to Einstein: You and I could have a child. They would have my beauty and your intelligence.
Einstein to Monroe: Maybe it comes out with my beauty and your intelligence.
Ha ha. Very funny.
You have to admit Monroe and Einstein look like poster children. Einstein looks smarter than anyone else with those inquisitive eyes, professorial attire and build, and mad scientist hair. Monroe is the quintessential bombshell with her flawless beauty and sultry manner.
Looks, however, are often deceiving.
Numerous sources allege that Marilyn Monroe sported an IQ of 165, which is five points higher than Einstein’s reported IQ of 160.
Imagine that! The blonde beauty who pulled an American president offside and was courted by the richest and most powerful men in the world, the one who lit up Hollywood like Christmas and dominated every Hollywood scene she was ever in, the one most might dismiss as a bimbo, was a bonafide genius, superior in intellect, perhaps, to one of world history’s most revered scientists. Talk about blowing your theory of relativity!
We talk about first impressions as vital to successful encounters. we say things like, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
How true that is. And how sad because it is our frail human nature that makes it so. We are quick to judge and slow to change our minds. We label others as ugly or dumb or slow or stupid or bright or beautiful or impressive and don’t bother too much ever really getting to know the half of it.
Marilyn Monroe, the epitome of classic Hollywood glamour, dazzled the world with her charisma and iconic roles. But beneath the blonde bombshell image, she hid an impressive IQ of 165, challenging the stereotypical view of her. Her keen interest in literature and philosophy showed a depth that was, way too often, overshadowed by her celebrity status.
Indeed, beyond the looks, Marilyn Monroe was actually an intellectual powerhouse. A documentary narrated by Jessica Chastain, Reframed: Marilyn Monroe, revealed her fierce intelligence and overlooked intellect. Monroe read James Joyce, wrote about predatory men, and questioned pay disparity, proving she was far more than just a glamorous star. Not bad!
Despite being a brilliant actress, her talent was also often forgotten. Her performances in films like "Bus Stop" showcased her remarkable acting skills, earning her praise that even modern actors envy. Marilyn was a phenomenal talent, delivering emotionally raw and delightful performances that cemented her legacy in Hollywood.
Besides, few people know how good she was at masterminding her career. For example, she started her own production company, breaking free from studio constraints to take control of her career. As she said in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "I can be smart when it's important, but most men don't like it." Marilyn knew how to play the game and played it well, proving she was both a star and a shrewd businesswoman.
from checkiq.com
In middle school, I hung out with the cool kids (or the ones most people considered cool). I paid little attention to Michael Hastings. He didn’t play sports like I did. He didn’t finish in the top of our class. I did. He wore glasses that didn’t flatter him. But I noted he rode his 10-speed bike everywhere. When I finally saved enough money from working in my Dad’s auto repair shop to buy my own 10-speed, I invited Mike to spend a Saturday riding. I had no idea the lungs on that kid or the stamina. He rode me into the ground. I could not keep up as he sped up and down the streets of town like a man on a motorized bike with no signs of fatigue. I also had no idea how witty he was. Or engaging. Or smart.
I had read the cover and failed to read the book. A few years ago on a journey to west Texas to do some research on my autobiography (a thing yet unfinished and gathering dust), I visited the little graveyard I used to haunt as a kid, the one adjacent to our property north of town, where I found the tombstone for Michael Hastings, who was cut down in his prime. I offered an apology at that stone, far too late, of course, for misjudging him.
Years later, an old, feeble man attended the church where I was pastor in East Texas. His name was David Haefele. His legs were so weak that his wife, a sturdy but lovely woman, would hold onto the belt loop at the back of his pants to help support him when he shuffled into the church.
I spent many hours visiting with David Haefele, whom I learned had a real prime in his prime. He was a member of the University of Texas national champion swim team. He received his graduate degree from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He had been editor of the Christian Science Monitor. When he was in his seventies, He rode a Harley from Texas to Jackson Hole every summer, with his wife, Lois, clinging to him from behind. His father had been a physician to President Theodore Roosevelt.
Upon hearing me quote Teddy Roosevelt several times, he bequeathed me his treasured photo of the great American president, which was framed along with a signed personal letter to his father. It is among my treasured souvenirs.
And to think, I came so close to knowing him as nothing more than a feeble old man at the end of his life.
Books have covers, but the story - the real story - is contained on the bloodstained, tear-stained, worn, and weathered pages of life.
In 2025, get to know someone you have dismissed or prejudged. See what treasures might exist in that yet unwrapped gift. I plan to do just that.
Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!