Definitions: (1) extraordinary intelligence beyond the intellectually superior individuals; (2) an outstanding gift for some specialized activity, particularly skilled in one or more fields; (3) the personification or embodiment of a quality or condition
Derivation: Mid 17th century, “exceptional genetic ability”
Synonyms: cleverness, creativity, ingenuity, talent, wisdom
Balancing Qualities:
• Genius is eternal patience. — Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simon (1475-1564) Italian polymath [four disciplines]
• A man with genius is unendurable if he does not also possess at least two other things: gratitude and cleanliness. — Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) German philosopher
Quotes:
• Mediocrity is self- inflicted and genius is self- bestowed. — Walter Russell (1871-1963) American Polymath [four disciplines]
• Everyone knows about Newton’s apple. Charles Darwin said his Origin of the Species {1859} flashed complete in one second, and he spent the rest of his life backing it up; and the theory of relativity occurred to Einstein in the time it takes to clap your hands. This is the greatest mystery of the human mind – the inductive leap. Everything falls into place, irrelevancies relate, dissonance becomes harmony, and nonsense wears a crown of meaning. — John Steinbeck (1902-1968) American writer
Comment: Genius is not just relegated to math (Einstein) or music (Mozart) or writing (Shakespeare). You can be a genius of any quality or talent. The Scottish write of a genius for friendship. Genius is not only innate, or bestowed, it can also be developed.
Symbol: a single [hidden] pearl (Chinese)
Legend: An ancient Roman belief held that each person is assigned a guardian spirit at birth. This spirit is referred to as a Genius and is the person’s natural ability. It carries the person’s destiny and inspires the person to become the true genius they have the potential of being.