The concept of genius has evolved throughout history from "summary" of Genius by James Gleick
The notion of genius is not fixed; it shifts and mutates over time. In ancient Rome, the term "genius" referred not to individual brilliance but to a kind of protective spirit that accompanied a person from birth to death. This conception of genius was tied to the idea of personal destiny, an unseen force guiding a person through life. During the Renaissance, genius took on a new meaning as humanists looked to classical sources for inspiration. Artists and thinkers were praised for their creative abilities, seen as possessing a spark of divine inspiration that set them apart from mere mortals. In the Enlightenment, the concept of genius became more closely tied to intelligence and originality. Figures like Isaac Newton and Immanuel Kant were hailed as geniuses for their groundbreaking ideas and contributions to science and philosophy. Genius was seen as a rare gift, a quality that only a select few possessed. By the 19th century, the Romantic movement challenged this elitist view of genius. Romantics celebrated the creative spirit in all its forms, arguing that genius could be found in the everyday activities of ordinary people. Artists like William Wordsworth and Ludwig van Beethoven were seen as geniuses not because of their exceptional talents but because of their ability to tap into the universal human experience. In the modern era, the concept of genius has continued to evolve. With the rise of mass media and global communication, the barriers to creativity have been lowered, allowing more people to express their unique talents and ideas. The definition of genius has expanded to include not just individuals but also collaborative efforts and collective intelligence. In today's world, the concept of genius is more fluid and inclusive than ever before. It encompasses a wide range of abilities and achievements, from artistic brilliance to scientific innovation to social entrepreneurship. Genius is no longer seen as an innate quality possessed by a select few; rather, it is viewed as a potential that exists within all of us, waiting to be unleashed.
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