A couple of years ago there was a movie with the inspired comic premise of a not-too-distant future USA populated and run entirely by idiots. Titled Idiocracy, the idea was that through celebrity media, other assorted junk culture, and sheer laziness we had all developed into shallow know-nothings, idiots really, who exalted air-head pop stars, subsisted on junk food and reality TV, and elected muscle-bound knuckleheads to high political office.

The movie’s concept was funnier than its execution, but who among us hasn’t wondered occasionally if we Americans have lost all respect for genuine intelligence? After all, every political season brings charges of “elitism,” which as far as we can tell seem aimed at any candidate intelligent enough to have achieved a postgraduate degree and whose skills and ethics are guided by critical thought. We at Mpls.St.Paul admire the kind of brain power that demonstrates reliably good judgment, a wide range of interests, attention to innovation, and a knack for efficient problem-solving. Intelligence, in other words, that is of tangible value to everyone.

One thing led to another, and we cast a net for the “Best Brains of the Twin Cities.” (Not to be confused with our annual “Best of the Twin Cities” in next month’s issue.) The search wasn’t merely for people who have achieved financial success, although intelligence often produces the latter. Rather, the essence we went looking for was closer to a kind of broadly based wisdom—people who both comprehend and embrace the complexities of modern life.

We started with a list of those we regard as intelligent by the above definition and sent them a fifteen-point questionnaire and asked them for their recommendations as well. Then we sent the questionnaire to those they recommended.

Obviously, we don’t claim our survey is scientific or in any way conclusive. It is possible that the über genius of the metro area is an unremarkable, still-anonymous auto-parts delivery driver weaving breakthrough theories of astrophysics as he goes about his daily rounds. But probably not.

The truly intelligent, the bona fide “Best Brains,” have been tested and vetted in the marketplaces of business, science, and the arts and have earned the respect of their peers. These are some of the Twin Cities’ most respected “brains.” The list isn’t complete, but we believe it’s a good start. —Brian Lambert