Is genius born, or made? Clearly, it's a combination of both, but which factor is more important? Are geniuses the genetic elite, the 0.00001% of humanity? Th

Is genius born, or made? Clearly, it's a combination of both, but which factor is more important? Are geniuses the genetic elite, the 0.00001% of humanity? They appear only rarely, but their genius shines through wherever they appear? Or are potential geniuses more common -- maybe the top 0.01% -- but need the right conditions in which to flourish? One way to find out would be to look for failed geniuses -- those who showed great potential, but had it nipped in the bud. I suspect a big genius-killer -- bigger than early death or jealous elders -- is access to pleasant career opportunities. If you're living in Tsarist Russia, writing might be the only interesting pastime. If you're living in 21st century California, starting a me-too consumer web app is a lot more inviting than working on groundbreaking new technology.