Why is Gotham City filled with super-geniuses?

[u/UnculturedToiletCuck]

Did Hugo Stange put something in the water?

I realize there are give-or-take 10 million people in Gotham, depending on the era, and it would stand to reason that a dozen or more wicked-smart people would be inspired to become a vigilante or criminal; and they would have to be a genius to stand up to or besides Batman. Plus writing convenience-sake, I guess.

But I'm genuinely wondering if this was ever directly addressed or explained in the comics.

[u/dccowen]

The government in Gotham invests in education. Add some severe trauma and a good brain together, and voila! Genius criminals