It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of Dr. Christopher Harding, the esteemed founder of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE), earlier this month. Dr. Harding’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge left an indelible mark on our organization and the global community of scholars.
Founded in 1974, ISPE’s mission was to bring together individuals with exceptional intellectual abilities to explore the most profound questions of human existence—those known as profoundly gifted individuals with an IQ above 146 or the 99.9th percentile. Through Dr. Harding’s tireless pursuit of excellence and his deep commitment to the core values of society, ISPE has grown to become a renowned global network.
Reflecting on Dr. Harding’s life and work, we recall his words: “The purpose of ISPE is not just to recognize intelligence, but to engage it in meaningful discourse that transcends conventional boundaries and contributes to the betterment of humanity.” Recognized as one of the world’s most intelligent individuals, Dr. Harding’s exceptional intellect was matched by his commitment to using his gifts to advance knowledge and human understanding. These words continue to resonate within the ISPE community, guiding our efforts and inspiring new generations of members.
Dr. Harding was not only a founder, but also a mentor and guiding light to many within ISPE. His dedication to the society and its members was evident in everything he did, from his thoughtful contributions to the Telicom magazine to his personal interactions with members, where he always found time to listen and offer guidance.
To honor Dr. Harding’s legacy, the ISPE Board of Trustees has decided to dedicate several pages in a future issue of Telicom, celebrating the 50th anniversary of our society’s founding, to his memory. This special section will feature tributes, reflections, and articles that capture the essence of his contributions and the impact he had on so many lives.
Dr. Christopher Harding distinguished himself not only as a member of the elite Triple Nine Society, but also as a founding member of several prestigious intellectual societies. His career is punctuated by significant awards and recognitions that highlight his contributions to the fields of intelligence and philosophy. Throughout his career, Dr. Harding was honored with numerous awards and honors, reflecting his exceptional contributions in a variety of fields. In 1974, he was recognized with a Life Membership in INTERTEL, followed by the title of PHILOSOPHER by the International Society for Philosophical Inquiry in 1978. He also received the KEY AWARD from the American Biographical Institute Research Association in 1986 for his work in Psychometrics.
Among his most notable awards, Dr. Harding was honored in 1987 with the Biography of the Year award from the Historical Preservations of America, and that same year he received the International Cultural Diploma of Honor from the American Biographical Association. In 1989 he was awarded the Certificate of Poetry Achievement from the American Poetry Association, a recognition he repeated in 1990. His continuing efforts were recognized in 1991 with the Commemorative Medal of Honor from the American Biographical Institute, and in 1992 he received the Twenty-Five Year Achievement Award from the same institute.
In conclusion, we are reminded of the profound impact an individual can have on the world. Dr. Harding’s legacy will continue to shape ISPE and inspire its members for generations to come.