I Built Paul Graham's Intellectual Captcha Idea
PG has posted about improving social networks using something like an "intellectual CAPTCHA" many times [1][2][3][4] - "Make users pass a test on basic concepts like the distinction between necessary and sufficient conditions before they can tweet." I felt the same way. So I built one using a mix of simple math, logic, and Twitter/X Community Noted posts. Try sample questions here - https://mentwire.com/sample - without signing up. - Invites are temporarily open to HN users. - Onboarding test + one daily question before accessing feed, post or reply. - Posts authors are…
I Built Paul Graham's Intellectual Captcha Idea launched on April 6, 2026 with 29 votes, #950 of 21,248 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches.
In plain words
Mentwire is a social network that requires users to pass reasoning tests on logic, math, and critical thinking before they can post or reply. It combines daily intellectual challenges with features like anonymous posting until content receives votes and facial recognition verification. Designed for users seeking higher-quality discourse, the platform aims to reduce low-effort contributions by ensuring participants demonstrate foundational analytical skills before participating in discussions.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Try a sample Mentwire reasoning quiz. 10 questions from real standardized tests. Only 1% get 9 or more right. How sharp is your reasoning?
In the maker’s words, at launch
PG has posted about improving social networks using something like an "intellectual CAPTCHA" many times [1][2][3][4] - "Make users pass a test on basic concepts like the distinction between necessary and sufficient conditions before they can tweet." I felt the same way. So I built one using a mix of simple math…
Does a similar job
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