I realized that “Mensa” didn’t contain enough numerals to be a phone number, and knew it must be understood that any future member would be able to figure out the next two digits in the sequence. I tried dialling MENSANE, MENSAIL, MENSAFE, and MENSAAB, but got three rebuffs and a fax tone.
From “How I Joined MENSA” by Steve Martin
I see one key difference, in social value:
Someone tells me they bought a meaningless knighthood: hearty laugh and a high five.
Someone tells me they’re in MENSA: Awkward silence and maybe a mental note to check how they’re doing more often.
Hah, yes. This is a good take.