International Society for Philosophical Enquiry

The International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE), also known as The Thousand®, is a non-profit high-IQ society founded in 1974 by Dr. Christopher Harding of Australia. It is open to individuals who score at or above the 99.9th percentile on standardized psychometric tests of intelligence. The society is the third-oldest high-IQ society globally, after Mensa (98th percentile) and Intertel (99th percentile), and is the oldest with a 99.9th percentile admission requirement. Members are called "Thousanders" because only one in a thousand people statistically qualify. ISPE is a global organization with members in many countries, representing diverse ideologies, races, religions, and creeds. It embraces freedom of thought and tolerance. The society publishes a quarterly journal, Telicom™, which is available to members and covers a wide range of topics including arts, humanities, spirituality, science, history, philosophy, engineering, technology, mathematics, physics, music, and neuropsychology. ISPE is governed democratically by its members and has a system of advancement levels designed to encourage members to use their abilities for the benefit of humanity. The society's motto is "Quaere Verum" (Seek the Truth). It has no official political opinions or affiliations.

The International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE) was founded in 1974 by Dr. Christopher Harding, an Australian psychometrician residing in Queensland. Originally named The Thousand, the society was established as a high-IQ organization with an admission threshold at the 99.9th percentile. It is the third-oldest high-IQ society in the world, following Mensa (founded 1946, 98th percentile) and Intertel (founded 1966, 99th percentile). ISPE is the oldest society with a 99.9th percentile requirement. The society's journal, Telicom, traces its origins to 1974 as a simple black-and-white newsletter. Over the decades, it evolved in size, format, frequency, and delivery method, becoming a full-color quarterly publication of 100–200 pages, available electronically to members. In 1981, the Guinness Book of Records listed ISPE with 239 members and an average IQ of 160. As of recent years, ISPE has approximately 600 members across 29 countries. The society is governed by elected and appointed volunteers according to its Charter, and it maintains a democratic process for advancement through membership levels. Its motto, "Quaere Verum" (Seek the Truth), reflects its commitment to philosophical inquiry and intellectual growth.

• 1993

  Mentioned again in the Guinness Book of Records.

• 1981

  Listed in the Guinness Book of Records with 239 members and an average IQ of 160.

• 1974

  Founded as The Thousand by Dr. Christopher Harding in Australia.

Exclusive high-IQ society for the top 0.1%, emphasizing intellectual exchange and philosophical enquiry.

• Telicom™ journal

  Quarterly full-color journal, 100-200 pages, available to members electronically and in hard copy.

• Whiting Memorial Award

  An award associated with the society.

1. 1International Society for Philosophical Enquiry - Official Websitethethousand.com
2. 2About - International Society for Philosophical Enquirythethousand.com
3. 3About Telicom - International Society for Philosophical Enquirythethousand.com
4. 4Wikidata entrywikidata.org
5. 5French Wikipedia articlefr.wikipedia.org