He is considered one of the smartest people in Ottawa. He is a certified genius and a member of the Prometheus Society. More about Alfred Simpson’s life will be shared by Ottawa Future.
Youth of a Future Genius
In an interview, he recalled that he didn’t learn the alphabet until he started first grade. By the end of second grade, he was already reading well, and as a result, he had read the book The Adventures of Pinocchio. This is one of the most popular novels by Italian writer Carlo Collodi, in which the mischievous and restless Pinocchio finds himself in various difficult situations in order to become obedient and good.
Alfred Simpson studied without realizing that he was falling behind his peers. One event became significant for him. It was in seventh grade when the boy took the bus to school, which was located outside the reserve in Cobourg, Ontario. Every day, he traveled 30 kilometers. He remembers that it was in seventh grade that he learned shorthand. First, he caught up with his peers, and then surpassed them.
Certified Genius
While attending high school, Alfred Simpson realized that he had an exceptional mind. He began to notice that he could quickly grasp concepts, understanding them at the highest level. What was remarkable was that he didn’t need special instructions or guidance.
As an adult, Alfred Simpson would note that such a level of intellect may seem like a superpower, but it comes at a cost. For example, he feels lonely, lives alone with few friends, and spends most of his time reading books.
His love story ended on a bitter note. His wife passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning in the spring of 1986. They had been married for nearly 15 years. For a long time, Alfred denied it, unable to fully believe it. He recalled:
“She fell asleep and never woke up.”
The couple had a son and a daughter, whom Alfred had to raise on his own.
Member of the Prometheus Society
This is an association for individuals with a high IQ. Only those with results exceeding the top 0.003% are eligible to become members of the Prometheus Society. Alfred Simpson from Ottawa was one such individual. Statistically, one person in fifty could theoretically qualify for exclusive membership. Here are a few key details:
- Candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process. This includes an IQ test, interviews, and an evaluation of scientific achievements.
- Members of the Prometheus Society come from various countries around the world.
- The Society’s goal is to encourage intellectual development and foster collaboration between talented people to solve global problems.
After the loss of his wife, he, along with his two young children, joined Mensa since his children had reached the required IQ level. This marked a new chapter in his life.
Searching for Himself
Alfred became a first-year mathematics student at the University of Waterloo. In 1967, he encountered computers for the first time. His high school teacher, whom he respected greatly, served as an inspiration. Initially, Alfred Simpson wanted to become a teacher. He also had examples in his family, as his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were educators. For instance, Alfred’s grandfather taught agricultural knowledge to students, while his grandmother researched and documented their family history, including their migration to Alderville. Alfred Simpson’s desire to publish these studies motivated him to learn web programming.
In 1971, he enrolled at Lakehead University’s teacher’s college in Thunder Bay. Everything was going well until it came time to teach. The very idea of imposing his will on others was unbearable for him.
Subsequently, he found another passion—his life’s work—computer programming. In 1972, he worked in Ottawa, then in London and Toronto as a programmer and operating systems administrator. His son once shared that his father was fluent in many languages, including ancient ones.
Own Business
Alfred Simpson spent many years in computer programming and eventually founded his own business, Totem Consulting. This company specializes in developing websites, databases, and software remotely.
Healthy Lifestyle
Here are a few interesting facts about the life of one of Ottawa’s smartest individuals:
- He does not smoke.
- He does not drink alcohol. Alfred admitted he has never consumed even a teaspoon of beer in his life, a conscious decision he made in his youth.
- He replaced his car with a bus pass, firmly believing that public transportation is a more environmentally friendly solution.
Another fascinating aspect of Alfred Simpson’s life is his habit of keeping journals—one per year. These journals are neatly stored on a bookshelf alongside his favourite science fiction novels by Dean Koontz, Isaac Asimov, and Alan Dean Foster. His most cherished collection, however, is the Tarzan series by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
