Who has the second most brilliant mind in existence?

Final answer:

Determining the second most brilliant mind in existence is subjective, with Albert Einstein often considered for his theoretical contributions and Henry Norris Russell for his astronomical achievements. Chris Langan's intellect is recognized, though his real-world struggles show that brilliance can be context-dependent.

Explanation:

The question of who has the second most brilliant mind in existence is highly subjective and, therefore, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer. However, we can explore the brilliance of certain individuals whose intellectual contributions have left a significant impact. Albert Einstein, known for his thought experiments and the theory of relativity, is often hailed as a person with one of the most brilliant minds. Meanwhile, Henry Norris Russell, whose work in astronomy was so outstanding that he was awarded an honors degree beyond 'summacum laude' at Princeton University, is another candidate for having an exceptionally brilliant mind. His ability to recall extensive information, coupled with his numerous influential papers, can certainly place him among the ranks of the most brilliant minds we've known.

It is also worth noting Chris Langan, who has been deemed by some as the 'smartest man in the world,' yet his life story illustrates that having a brilliant mind does not always correlate with worldly success or practical intelligence, as defined by psychologist Robert Sternberg.