It can be, or it can not be. If by "genius" you mean someone who's defined by their actions, then it is [simply the product of hard work]. Otherwise, if by "g

It can be, or it can not be. If by "genius" you mean someone who's defined by their actions, then it is [simply the product of hard work]. Otherwise, if by "genius" you mean someone with the potential to be great, then it is not [the product of hard work, but rather one's genes]. Both of these interpretations of "genius" are often used, although there is very little distinction between the two if the "genius" with the potential to be great lives up to their expectations. On the other hand, those who have the potential to be great but don't take advantage of their genes are hard to discover. Also, the "genius" that -has- potential to be great and -is- great is technically a genius of both kinds. Something to think about...