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I think the word genius is a bit click-baity in this title. Genius is Einstein's year 1905, it's Beethoven writing profoundly inspirational, timeless works whil

I think the word genius is a bit click-baity in this title. Genius is Einstein's year 1905, it's Beethoven writing profoundly inspirational, timeless works while fully deaf. If we cheapen the term genius down to creative maker, or PhD level mathematics, or moving some planks of wood around, I feel we cheapen the greatest insights of historys bonafide geniuses.

FarhadG 5y ago
(Author here) I share your sentiment and it's something I often reflect upon. However, I'm also cautious of not attributing `genius` to events based on results. I feel that would limit my ability to look at situations and judge intelligent (and perhaps genius) [decision making] because I would have to wait for results and—only then—dictate whether the person was intelligent (or a genius). I'd love to know how you think about this term and how you use it.
jbluepolarbear 5y ago
Where does this value of only a few can be genius’ come from? Anyone with an exceptional gift, be it intelligence or creativity, is a genius. Using your genius to make a great lasting impact is something only a few will accomplish, but it doesn’t cheapen their accomplishments to call others genius.
- Dumblydorr 5y ago
  It's the word's definition, it's language that matters here. If I say every musician is a virtuoso, it cheapens the playing of Hiromi, Chick Corea, and Coltrane. If I say every athlete is a superstar, it cheapens the label for Lebron and Giannis. If we say someone who repurposes wooden furniture is a genius, it cheapens the monumental feat of Einstein publishing multiple Nobel-worthy articles while writing in evenings after getting home from clerking at a patent office. The definition of genius is not "resourceful" or "creative", it must indicate a profound mind who greatly improved human society through their intellect. We shouldn't use terms like genius to drive content to our blogs, unless the word is warranted. That is why I believe it's click bait.
  - bengy5959 5y ago
    I've checked multiple sources and I can't find a single definition of genius that requires the person be notable or "who greatly improved human society through their intellect." Only that they be exceptionally intelligent or gifted in a certain field.
- wibblewobble123 5y ago
  “Genius” comes from genus meaning source/give birth/produce, a genius is a prolific source of original work. If you are only prolific, or only original, or neither, you may be a clever person or highly skilled, but a genius you are not.

FarhadG 5y ago

(Author here) I share your sentiment and it's something I often reflect upon. However, I'm also cautious of not attributing `genius` to events based on results. I feel that would limit my ability to look at situations and judge intelligent (and perhaps genius) [decision making] because I would have to wait for results and—only then—dictate whether the person was intelligent (or a genius). I'd love to know how you think about this term and how you use it.

jbluepolarbear 5y ago

Where does this value of only a few can be genius’ come from? Anyone with an exceptional gift, be it intelligence or creativity, is a genius. Using your genius to make a great lasting impact is something only a few will accomplish, but it doesn’t cheapen their accomplishments to call others genius.

Dumblydorr 5y ago
It's the word's definition, it's language that matters here. If I say every musician is a virtuoso, it cheapens the playing of Hiromi, Chick Corea, and Coltrane. If I say every athlete is a superstar, it cheapens the label for Lebron and Giannis. If we say someone who repurposes wooden furniture is a genius, it cheapens the monumental feat of Einstein publishing multiple Nobel-worthy articles while writing in evenings after getting home from clerking at a patent office. The definition of genius is not "resourceful" or "creative", it must indicate a profound mind who greatly improved human society through their intellect. We shouldn't use terms like genius to drive content to our blogs, unless the word is warranted. That is why I believe it's click bait.
- bengy5959 5y ago
  I've checked multiple sources and I can't find a single definition of genius that requires the person be notable or "who greatly improved human society through their intellect." Only that they be exceptionally intelligent or gifted in a certain field.
wibblewobble123 5y ago
“Genius” comes from genus meaning source/give birth/produce, a genius is a prolific source of original work. If you are only prolific, or only original, or neither, you may be a clever person or highly skilled, but a genius you are not.