The Bell Curve by Herrnstein and Murray (1994)

The Bell Curve by Herrnstein and Murray generates unparalleled societal discord, claiming IQ differences are linked to race and socioeconomic outcomes. Its influence is undeniable, selling over 300,000 copies and igniting a firestorm across academia and public discourse. Critics unanimously denounce its methodology as scientifically flawed and its conclusions as intellectual cover for racism. In societal impact, it outperforms #6 Bem's precognition paper by a wide margin, as the debate extends far beyond academic circles into policy and media.