Concept Of Genius

 

Written by: H.O. de Jonge
  Edited by: Dewald Bezuidenhout

There seems to be a very controversial take on the concept of genius and what actually qualifies a

person for the title of genius. This is a term that has become harder and harder to qualify for over

the years. When we speak of people who were absolutely genius in the past the same names always

crop up in our minds. Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton, very brilliant men to be sure but these

are not the template for genius. If you had to achieve greatness equal to these men we would never

again see any more brilliant men in our time for what they did to contribute to the scientific world.

Everything that is worth discovering has already been done to such an extent that everything we

discover now will pale in comparison. No matter what you do gravity can only be discovered once I

am afraid.

But the standards the ignorant set for the brilliant are not my main concern with today’s people.

What irks me most is the concept that there is only one type of genius, and if you do not aspire to

these criteria you do not qualify. So many people view themselves as fools and idiots because of

these everyday criteria for genius. Was Mozart any less of a genius than Einstein? Was Aristotle a

fool compared to Newton? No they were equally brilliant only in a very different way. Just because

a person is not a human calculator does not mean they are fools or any less of a person. We restrict

the title of genius to those with the highest IQ and not the quality of what they do. It is very simple.

Call a man a genius and he will strive to prove you right as often as possible. Call him a fool and he

will prove you right every time.

We as humans have extraordinary potential, and it is truly my honest believe that there is no person

out there who does not have an inner genius hiding inside. Everyone has the potential for greatness,

very few of us will excel in the same things or at the same rate but we all have the potential to

at least compete for the position of the very best at something. The sad truth about life is that

unfortunately there will always be one person out there who will out do and outperform you. This

can be seen throughout the lifespan of the earth, from ancient Greek mythology with its recurring

theme of the father being over thrown by the son to entire governments being toppled by one rebel

leader with a purpose. We are all capable of greatness. All that is required of us is to stretch out and

grab it, but greatness has always come with a warning attached. He who wants greatness needs to

be sure they are ready to give up all resemblance of a normal life.

So remember dear readers that you have a genius inside you! No matter what anyone else says or

what any test seems to indicate. You have it within yourself. Just go out there and find what makes

you go beyond and stand out of the crowd.