Forgive me if this seems inappropriate to ask, but I'm actually somewhat curious. In this article and others I've read about Swartz, he is described using terms

Forgive me if this seems inappropriate to ask, but I'm actually somewhat curious. In this article and others I've read about Swartz, he is described using terms like "prodigy" and "genius". Are these descriptions accurate or is the press somewhat guilty of puffing up the stature of Aaron in order to pull you inevitably towards the cliché story of the 'tragically passed genius'? If he were not a "prodigy" or "genius", would his actions and ideals be any less worthy of recognition, or his passing any less tragic?