Why there are no "geniuses" anymore
Helen Lewis swung by JOETowers to chat if anyone is actually a genius - and what who we label "geniuses" tells us about society.
She argues that "genius" is a romanticised idea: the notion that extraordinary talent excuses bad behaviour or moral failings. Think, Elon Musk.
She unpacks how celebrated (almost always male) figures like Edison, Einstein, Picasso, Tolstoy (and even Elon Musk) benefit from a halo effect that glosses over serious flaws such as abuse, neglect, misogyny, and selfishness.
She traces the historical roots of the term “genius,” linking it to hierarchy-driven ideologies…
The skinny
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