by Andrew Williams

Created on: September 02, 2009

The word "genius" is more versatile than most people really consider. IQ level is disputed, especially between different tests, but Mensa considers a genius to be anyone scoring above the 98th percentile. While this is the literal meaning, it's certainly not the only one. We use the word to describe artistic prowess, exceptional speaking ability, high levels of mathematical and logical deduction, and even proficiency in a specific craft. If we take the meaning of the word itself, genius is something we're either innately born with or not, and by Mensa's standards, only 2% of people can be in the 98th percentile, but is it possible to develop at least some semblance of genius through diligent practice and effort?

The IQ test, strictly speaking, measures one's ability to recognize patterns and utilize lateral reasoning. The image that comes to mind when we think of a genius is, for most people, Albert Einstein. This would lead one to think that perhaps mathematics is the ultimate determining factor in genius, but this is a deceptive conception. Genius is a matter of exceptional ability in a variety of different areas. Thinking like Mr. Spock is very confining - it does not make one a genius. Even Einstein himself said, "Knowledge is limited; but imagination encircles the world."

In this sense, it would be fair to say that innate ability is indeed what inspires genius. One is either a creative thinker or they are not. If the whole concept is the ability to innovate and see the world in a way nobody else does, it's not something that can be taught or learned. Genius is holistic; a person who has it can master chemistry and underwater basket weaving with equally relative ease and that, I think, is what makes it so difficult to acquire if one does not possess it already. It's not so much an amount of knowledge one must obtain or apply as it is the rate at which one obtains and applies knowledge. Like a puzzle, everything a mind sees can be integrated together into one big picture. Learning math and creative writing may seem inherently different, but the gifted psyche can use the knowledge gained from one to master the other. Perspective is the key and it doesn't seem to be any simple task to change that.

Of course, this is not the only definition of genius. Not every talented person in the world needs to be Albert Einstein. Experts say that it takes the average individual about 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill. If someone has a penchant for rock and roll, all they need to do is pick up their guitar and get to playing. After those hours of practice are up and their fingers dance across the strings like the next Jimi Hendrix, there's nothing wrong with picking up the mantle of musical genius and wearing it proudly. With enough time spent on a craft, not even Einstein can come in off the street and take that crown away. But in an arena that's mutually unknown to both the guitarist and the genius? Well, that might be a different story.

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