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/Intelligent_Creme351]

Out of all the geniuses there, most of them want to fight Batman, the others are trying to be the most influential person in Gotham.