What is Genius?
Genius is actually very difficult to define. For one thing, it is quite a subjective label – for some, a genius is anyone with an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) higher than a certain value. Others, however, feel that IQ is a very poor and unrepresentative measure of a person’s total intelligence and therefore IQ scores are a poor reflection of real genius.
Generally, it is accepted that a genius is not only someone with a very high IQ but also someone who breaks new ground with new ideas, discoveries, inventions or even works of art. In other words, a genius challenges the way other people view the field in which he works in – or even the world at large.Genius and Intelligence
Intelligence itself can be difficult to define, the field of Psychometrics is devoted to studying and measuring intelligence and yet scientists and experts still cannot all agree on how best to analyse, measure and describe intelligence. Therefore, it is not surprising that the relationship between genius and intelligence is not an easy one to describe.
Ironically, many geniuses actually score poorly on standardised intelligence tests or perform very poorly at school – despite the fact that they have very high intellectual ability. Many researchers and theorists feel that this supports the argument that the concept of a general intelligence ‘g’ is too limiting and does not provide a complete view of a person’s intelligence.
Some, such as Howard Gardner, favour the concept of multiple intelligences, feeling that these categories are better at describing the strengths and differing talents and abilities of different individuals. Gardener has defined 7 intelligences, namely:
Linguistic
Logical-mathematic
Musical
Bodily-kinesthetic
Spatial
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
These theories of multiple intelligence may explain the phenomenon of genius better than conventional IQ scores. They certainly provide a good explanation for certain types of genius such as the savant syndrome: a rare condition where people with developmental disabilities and even overall low IQ can have spectacular ability or skill in certain areas. The well-known savant is, of course, from the film 'Rain Man'.
Genius and Creativity
Aside from high intellectual ability, all geniuses also exhibit great creative intelligence. This is the difference between being 'very smart' and being 'a genius'. Geniuses not only have superior intelligence but can use it in unique and innovative ways, They don’t just remember and recite existing information – they can create, discover or invent new things within their area of interest.
Some scientists believe this is because they have less 'latent inhibition' than normal people – this may also be why they seem to be prone to quirky behaviour and even mental illness, psychosis and emotional instability.
While we may never be able to explain the concept of genius, we can appreciate that they are key to advancements of human progress – whether in the field of science, technology, art, music, literature, mathematics or just general understanding.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Seven Secrets Of The Power Of Visualisation
Visualisation is the most powerful natural tool a man can have. Unfortunately, it is also the most underrated because hardly anybody understands its true power. An image in your mind has many secrets, which we aim to talk about below:
1. A mental picture paints a thousand words.
You can explain so much more diagrammatically and as an image, than can be explained through words alone. This means the ideas which you are wishing to express are effectively leveraged and more clearly expressed, when you see it as an image instead of just as words.
2. A mental image is closer to reality.
Reality is a series of images and experiences. To therefore see our goal as an image as opposed to words allows us to more readily connect with its achievement in reality. (See The Level Of Intent)
3. A mental image can be constructed in the future.
What we see around us is images in the present. An image in our mind can be put forward into the future. This therefore allows us to see that image in relation to things which have yet to come about in our lives.
4. A mental image is easy to produce.
Visualisation is like a sense that does not need to be taught. It is a natural ability that allows us to achieve our goals easily and with very little effort on our part. The secret is to use it in concentrated and particular times of the day only, so that we are constantly kept on the right mental track.
1. A mental picture paints a thousand words.
You can explain so much more diagrammatically and as an image, than can be explained through words alone. This means the ideas which you are wishing to express are effectively leveraged and more clearly expressed, when you see it as an image instead of just as words.
2. A mental image is closer to reality.
Reality is a series of images and experiences. To therefore see our goal as an image as opposed to words allows us to more readily connect with its achievement in reality. (See The Level Of Intent)
3. A mental image can be constructed in the future.
What we see around us is images in the present. An image in our mind can be put forward into the future. This therefore allows us to see that image in relation to things which have yet to come about in our lives.
4. A mental image is easy to produce.
Visualisation is like a sense that does not need to be taught. It is a natural ability that allows us to achieve our goals easily and with very little effort on our part. The secret is to use it in concentrated and particular times of the day only, so that we are constantly kept on the right mental track.
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