What Really Makes a Genius?

[GHA]

We often hear “high IQ” and “genius” mentioned together, but I’ve often wondered — how many people who’ve topped IQ tests have actually originated an idea? Not copied, not optimised, but truly created something new.

In my view, genius isn’t confined to the Einsteins or the Da Vincis of history. Any idea — big or small — that breaks new ground or solves a problem in a way no one else has before carries the spark of genius. It could be a world-changing scientific breakthrough… or a clever fix in daily life that makes you stop and say, “Why didn’t anyone think of that before?”

The interesting thing is, genius isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come from those with academic honours or perfect scores. Sometimes it comes from the person who sees a connection others miss, who creates a bridge between unrelated ideas, or who solves a problem from a completely unexpected angle.

To me, genius is the ability to originate — not just to remember, calculate, or follow rules. And in that sense, it’s something we might overlook if we focus too much on formal measures like IQ tests.

What’s your definition of genius? And have you seen it appear in places people least expect?

 

[Neonatal RRT]

There are many different types of intelligence. Some people may have genius-level intelligence in a narrow area...others more broad. I have dealt with people that fall into both those categories. I don't deal with many in the creative intelligence category in health care, but clearly, there are those who are musicians, singers, artists, etc. that are...profoundly on another level from the rest of us schmucks.

I have viewed discussions on the topic, more interestingly, in small children...preschoolers...and how profoundly creative they can be. Then, these same children, once they get to school, become less and less creative, literally losing that intelligence. The lesson being that if you, as a parent or teacher, restrict thought and narrow their focus, not allow them to discover things on their own, creative intelligence is not only inhibited, but may diminish.

 

[GHA]

There are many different types of intelligence. Some people may have genius-level intelligence in a narrow area...others more broad. I have dealt with people that fall into both those categories. I don't deal with many in the creative intelligence category in health care, but clearly, there are those who are musicians, singers, artists, etc. that are...profoundly on another level from the rest of us schmucks.

I have viewed discussions on the topic, more interestingly, in small children...preschoolers...and how profoundly creative they can be. Then, these same children, once they get to school, become less and less creative, literally losing that intelligence. The lesson being that if you, as a parent or teacher, restrict thought and narrow their focus, not allow them to discover things on their own, creative intelligence is not only inhibited, but may diminish.

Well said!!!