Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1)

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2022/08/01

Abstract

Victor Hingsberg is the owner and manager of several websites geared toward bringing together highly intelligent people from all over the world.  The goal is to help those in the high IQ community make meaningful and long lasting connections.  Aside from being a full time online entrepreneur, Victor is a retired contractor and bookkeeper and is currently working full time in the shipping industry.  With his organization Global High IQ Society, Victor’s goal is to bring high IQ into the mainstream and foster an atmosphere where everyone can reach their full potential. He discusses: growing up; an extended self; family background; the experience with peers and schoolmates; some professional certifications; the purpose of intelligence tests; high intelligence discovered; geniuses; the greatest geniuses; a genius from a profoundly intelligent person; profound intelligence necessary for genius; some work experiences and jobs; particular job path; more important aspects of the idea of the gifted and geniuses; the God concept; science; some of the tests taken and scores earned; ethical philosophy; social philosophy; political philosophy; metaphysics; worldview-encompassing philosophical system; meaning in life; meaning; an afterlife; the mystery and transience of life; and love.

Keywords: ethics, family, genius, gifted, Global High IQ Society, intelligence, I.Q., life, TenIQ High IQ Network, Victor Hingsberg, views.

Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1)

*Please see the references, footnotes, and citations, after the interview, respectively.*

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: When you were growing up, what were some of the prominent family stories being told over time?  

Victor Hingsberg[1],[2]*: I can’t say there were any prominent stories being told, but I know of the hardships my parents went through living in a communist country after the second world war ended.  I guess the closest thing to prominence is the fact that they moved to Canada with very little in the way of personal belongs of value and worked hard to build a nest egg and create a chance for a more prosperous life for me and my sibling.

Jacobsen: Have these stories helped provide a sense of an extended self or a sense of the family legacy? 

Hingsberg:  Well, I would say the legacy would be one of immigrants having moved to Canada for a better life and contributing to the growth of this great country.  This I would say is the legacy of Canada.  So, I suppose my family legacy is a Canadian legacy.

Jacobsen: What was the family background, e.g., geography, culture, language, and religion or lack thereof?

Hingsberg: My parents are originally from Bosnia-Hercegovina which was part of what was known at the time as Yugoslavia.  My family heritage is quite diverse, however, in that I have Serbian, German and Hungarian roots. As far as religion goes it’s a mix of Serbian Orthodox and Roman Catholic, but I have been raised Roman Catholic.

Jacobsen: How was the experience with peers and schoolmates as a child and an adolescent?

Hingsberg:  To be honest, it wasn’t exactly ideal.  Truth is, I never did fit in with my peers and was a bit of a loner and outcast.  In adulthood I became much more socially adept, but still tended more towards introversion to the present day.

Jacobsen: What have been some professional certifications, qualifications, and trainings earned by you?

Hingsberg:  I have a diploma in Business Administration – Accounting track and I did at one time hold a real estate license. 

Jacobsen: What is the purpose of intelligence tests to you?

Hingsberg:  I believe there are many purposes for intelligence tests.  It’s a great way to assess one’s potential.  To see what areas of strengths as well as areas of weakness one has.  I also believe it’s a great tool for assessing one’s suitability in academic pursuits and what fields a candidate would be suited for.  But most importantly to the individual it’s a great tool for self-discovery.

Jacobsen: When was high intelligence discovered for you?  

Hingsberg: Actually, for me it was discovered rather late in life.  I was 34 when I was looking for IQ tests online and I happened upon a website for the International High IQ Society.  They had several IQ tests of various types.  If I recall they had a spatial, verbal, and a mixed test which was called the Ultimate IQ Test.  I took this test and passed.  I was a bit skeptical and reluctant but curiosity got the better of me and the very next day I paid the entrance fee and joined.  Wow!  It’s hard to believe that was 20 years ago.

Jacobsen: When you think of the ways in which the geniuses of the past have either been mocked, vilified, and condemned if not killed, or praised, flattered, platformed, and revered, what seems like the reason for the extreme reactions to and treatment of geniuses? Many alive today seem camera shy – many, not all.

Hingsberg: I’d say there’s a lot going on when comes to this phenomenon.  Much of it relates to ego, jealousy, reverence for icons.  I think there’s as much a fascination with extraordinarily gifted people among the regular masses as if they were somehow godlike, but also a resentment because such people make can make some people who are not secure with themselves to feel inferior.  Truth is, no matter how intelligent one may be, no one is perfect and we all suffer from the same human frailties regardless of where we might sit on the bell curve.

Jacobsen: Who seems like the greatest geniuses in history to you?  

Hingsberg: I would say it has to be Leonardo da Vinci.  Not only was he a talented artist and painter, but his abilities and talents spanned across many disciplines and intellectual endeavors.  This was a man who was both profoundly intelligent and profoundly creative.

Jacobsen: What differentiates a genius from a profoundly intelligent person?

Hingsberg:  I think a genius is someone who is capable of making paradigm shifting discoveries.  Someone who can introduce a perspective no one has ever considered before.  I think ingenuity and creativity are the keys to genius.

Jacobsen: Is profound intelligence necessary for genius?

Hingsberg:  I don’t think profound intelligence is necessary for genius.  It certainly helps, but I think along with other factors like creativity and perseverance; a high level of intelligence would be sufficient, but I don’t think profound intelligence is required for accomplishing feats of genius.

Jacobsen: What have been some work experiences and jobs held by you?

Hingsberg:  I’ve worked in construction for a good part of my adult life.  Mainly in the manufacture and installation of wooden staircases and handrails with my father for 20 years.  I’ve been a woodworker, laborer, clerical, bookkeeping and estimator.

Jacobsen: Why pursue this particular job path?

Hingsberg:  Initially, it was more out of necessity.  Stay in the family business to help it grow.  Really, my father got very busy with his work and needed an extra pair of hands.  Creating something out of scratch is very satisfying work.  Also, I enjoyed the administrative part of the business very much which is what led me to earn a diploma in Business Administration.

Jacobsen: What are some of the more important aspects of the idea of the gifted and geniuses? Those myths that pervade the cultures of the world. What are those myths? What truths dispel them?

Hingsberg:  I think the idea of those with exceptional intelligence being superhuman or God-like is very prevalent and misguided.  Notions that exceptionally gifted people are eternally wise and saint-like.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  History has shown geniuses and those of exceptionally high intelligence can suffer from various personality issues, neuroses and psychoses just as anyone else can.  Some of the smartest people can also be the most irrational and foolish at times.

Jacobsen: Any thoughts on the God concept or gods idea and philosophy, theology, and religion?

Hingsberg:  I’ve worn many hats on this subject.  I’ve started out as a theist because that’s what had been ingrained in my upbringing.  I’ve been atheist, agnostic and these days I’m more of a deist and like to keep an open mind.  These days I do believe there is a higher power.  A God of sorts.  In the past I was of the mind that if there is spirituality or a spirit realm and afterlife that the only religion that makes sense would be Buddhism something along similar lines.  But these days I’m open to the notion of there being a Christian God.  Whatever the case, I believe there is a higher power and a purpose to life.

Jacobsen: How much does science play into the worldview for you?

Hingsberg:  I believe it plays a significant role in my thoughts on the matter.  I belief it always has to various degrees.  Only difference now is I don’t take any of it at face value.  There’s always more than meets the eye be it in science or any philosophy.  Religion is more about faith and intuition while science is more about facts and data verification.  I think it’s pointless to try proving or disproving faith. 

Jacobsen: What have been some of the tests taken and scores earned (with standard deviations) for you?

Hingsberg: I’ve taken numerous tests from various test authors over the years.  My IQ has ranged anywhere from 123 to mid 160s range depending on the test. 

Jacobsen: What ethical philosophy makes some sense, even the most workable sense to you?

Hingsberg:  I think the Golden Rule is pretty much the Gold Standard as far as ethical philosophy goes.  Do unto others as you would have them to you.  I think it all comes down to empathy.  The rest follows from there.

Jacobsen: What social philosophy makes some sense, even the most workable sense to you?  

Hingsberg: Same as the ethical philosophy.  A society without ethics or some common moral code adhered to by its citizens is doomed to implode.

Jacobsen: What political philosophy makes some sense, even the most workable sense to you?

Hingsberg:  I think pragmatism and a focus on the common good for all is what would make the most workable sense to me as a political philosophy.  These days we are too far from what.  Tribalism and seems to be permeating and I’d say polluting the political landscape these days.  I think we all need to be united in working toward the betterment of humanity instead of fighting with each other over differing beliefs.

Jacobsen: What metaphysics makes some sense to you, even the most workable sense to you?

Hingsberg:  That there really is no self.  That we are all one and must therefore look out for one another.  Strife and conflict perpetuates suffering which in turn instigates more strife and conflict creating even more suffering.  It’s a rather horrific feedback loop.  If we look after each other as we look after ourselves I believe we can alleviate and even end suffering.

Jacobsen: What worldview-encompassing philosophical system makes some sense, even the most workable sense to you?

Hingsberg:  To me a worldview of openness, understanding tolerance and a sense of cooperation for the betterment of us all as individuals, societies and as human beings.  It’s really the only thing that makes workable sense if we don’t want to destroy ourselves and this beautiful planet we live on.

Jacobsen: What provides meaning in life for you?

Hingsberg: Peace of mind.  A sense of self and a sense of purpose.  We find meaning in the things we do which we feel are purposeful.  It’s really about finding the most harmonious we to exist in the chaotic universe we dwell in.

Jacobsen: Is meaning externally derived, internally generated, both, or something else?

Hingsberg: I would say it’s a bit of both.  I don’t believe it’s an either/or proposition.  There’s a lot going on with introspection and meditation, but I don’t believe it can be done without and external environment to draw from.  Also, you can’t really derive meaning from external stimuli if you don’t understand it or take the time to analyze it, contemplate it and meditate upon it.   So, yes, I would definitely say it’s a bit of both.

Jacobsen: Do you believe in an afterlife? If so, why, and what form? If not, why not?

Hingsberg:  I don’t know if I believe in an afterlife with 100% certainty, but I believe if it exists, if we each have an eternal soul then it would be pure energy.  Of course, we’d all like to think we’d still have our sentience intact in this form, but there really is no guarantee this is the case nor is there any reason we should assume so.

Jacobsen: What do you make of the mystery and transience of life?

Hingsberg:  A co-worker of mine recently said he doesn’t take life too seriously.  Sure, you must take things seriously, but not too seriously, because as he put it, “None of us are getting out of it alive”.  I doubt any of us is smart enough to unravel the mysteries of life and we’re more likely to die trying.  So, why not embrace the transient nature of life for the precious gift that it is?

Jacobsen: What is love to you?

Hingsberg: To me, love, is knowing, understanding and embracing your fellow humans.  To love is to honor each other with compassion, kindness and grace.  We all have our stories.  We all have our issues, but in the end, we are all human and only here on this plane for a limited time.  Let’s not squander this precious gift we have.

Footnotes

[1] Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network.

[2] Individual Publication Date: August 1, 2022: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1; Full Issue Publication Date: September 1, 2022: https://in-sightjournal.com/insight-issues/.

Citations

American Medical Association (AMA): Jacobsen S. Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1) [Online]. August 2022; 30(A). Available from: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1.

American Psychological Association (APA, 6th Edition, 2010): Jacobsen, S.D. (2022, August 1). Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1). Retrieved from http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1.

Brazilian National Standards (ABNT): JACOBSEN, S. Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1). In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal. 30.A, August. 2022. <http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1 >.

Chicago/Turabian, Author-Date (16th Edition): Jacobsen, Scott. 2022. “Conversation with Luis Ortiz on Family, Intelligence Scores, and Views: Member, Glia Society (1).” In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal. 30.A. http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1.

Chicago/Turabian, Humanities (16th Edition): Jacobsen, Scott “Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1).” In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal. 30.A (August 2022). http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1.

Harvard: Jacobsen, S. 2022, ‘Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1)’, In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal, vol. 30.A. Available from: <http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1 >.

Harvard, Australian: Jacobsen, S. 2022, ‘Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1)’, In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal, vol. 30.A., http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1.

Modern Language Association (MLA, 7th Edition, 2009): Scott D. Jacobsen. “Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1).” In-Sight: Independent Interview-Based Journal 30.A (2022): August. 2022. Web. <http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1 >.

Vancouver/ICMJE: Jacobsen S. Conversation with Victor Hingsberg on Life, Work, and Views: Founder & President of Global High IQ Society and TenIQ High IQ Network (1) [Internet]. (2022, August 30(A). Available from: http://www.in-sightpublishing.com/hingsberg-1.

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