The Nature of Genius

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/nature-of-genius

Introduction

### Course Review: The Nature of Genius **Platform:** Coursera **Instructor:** Craig Wright, Henry L. and Lucy G. Moses Professor of Music Emeritus **Course Length:** Approximately 14 hours **Level:** Beginners to Advanced #### Overview In a world where the term "genius" is often thrown around to describe everyone from celebrities to athletes, “The Nature of Genius” offers a thought-provoking examination of what it truly means to be a genius. This engaging course, taught by the esteemed Professor Craig Wright, invites you to critically dissect the concept of genius and formulate your own understanding, moving beyond the superficial labels commonly attached to individuals today. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured into four comprehensive modules, each tackling different aspects of genius: 1. **Genius Defined, Genius Denied, Genius and Geography** - In this module, you'll explore the fluidity of the concept of genius, understanding how it has shifted throughout history and across cultures. The discussions around gender and race provide a crucial context for understanding the societal barriers faced by truly innovative minds. 2. **First Things First** - This module dives deep into the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture, supported by contemporary scientific insights like epigenetics. Through analyzing figures such as Mozart, it challenges traditional views on how genius manifests and the impact of socioeconomic status on the ability to achieve greatness. 3. **What Makes Genius?** - What truly drives genius? This module seeks to unravel the traits often found in historical polymaths such as Leonardo da Vinci. Curiosity, creativity, and passion are presented as essential components, engaging you in the process of self-reflection on your own potential for genius. 4. **Disruption, Genius and Morality, Genius and “Disability”** - The final module is perhaps the most controversial yet necessary. It examines the sometimes chaotic relationship between genius and morality, encouraging critical thought on how society perceives and interacts with innovators who may also exhibit troubling behaviors. #### Content Quality Professor Wright’s lectures are not only informative but also captivating, filled with anecdotes and scholarly references that illustrate the dynamics of genius throughout history. The course materials are thoughtfully curated, including readings, videos, and discussion prompts that enhance the learning experience. The interactive nature of the course encourages learners to engage with one another, fostering a sense of community and collaborative exploration. #### Who Is This Course For? “The Nature of Genius” is ideal for anyone interested in psychology, history, or the arts. Whether you are a student, a professional in a creative field, or simply curious about the complexities of human potential, this course offers valuable insights that are applicable in various contexts. It appeals to skeptics and believers alike—those looking to challenge their perceptions of genius, as well as those wishing to refine their understanding of their own capabilities. #### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend “The Nature of Genius” on Coursera. It stimulates intellectual curiosity and offers a multi-faceted perspective on an age-old concept. The course not only invites you to reevaluate your existing beliefs about what it means to be a genius but also equips you with the tools to foster creativity in your everyday life. Whether you are seeking personal growth or professional development, this course is a worthwhile investment in understanding the remarkable capabilities of the human mind. #### Conclusion In a society quick to label individuals as "geniuses," this course stands out as a necessary antidote, pushing learners to think critically about genius. Craig Wright masterfully balances educational rigor with approachable teaching, making complex ideas accessible to all. Join this course if you're ready to embark on an enlightening journey into the Nature of Genius.

Syllabus

Genius Defined, Genius Denied , Genius and Geography

In Section 1 of Module 1 we determine, jokingly, whether you're a genius or not, provide examples of geniuses as opposed to mere celebrities or prodigies, and discover how what defines "genius" is highly subjective and ever-changing. In Section 2 we look at genius and gender. We discuss the disadvantages that the few female geniuses who do come down to us in our history book faced in their societies. We consider how far we may have progressed and what opposition still remains for women today. In Section 3 we look at genius in relationship to race, geography and society. We talk about the importance of originality in genius and about what societal factors can either encourage or discourage genius.

In Section 1 of Module 2 we jump into the age-old question: is it nature or is it nurture? We'll talk about the growing science of epigenetics, the many forms of intelligence and how to best measure each. In Section 2 we consider neoteny in genius. How employing childlike thinking could be a key to genius. We'll also take some time to explore in-depth one of the more famous neotenic geniuses from our past, Mozart. Then we'll move on to discover how we deal with our young prodigies and savants in ways that may actually prevent genius from blossoming. In Section 3 we'll get down to brass tacks and talk about money's role in genius. Do you need to be rich to be a genius? What should geniuses do with their money once they accumulate it?

Module 3 delves into the enablers of genius to see what drives them and what allows them to achieve such singular greatness in their lifetimes. Section 1 entitled "curiosity and a tolerance for risk," may go a long way to explaining the just-asked question. We'll study perhaps the single most curious person in history, the great, Leonardo da Vinci, and look in on a typical day in his life. In Section 2 we'll move on to explore creativity and great polymaths in history. We'll take time to examine how they think and where their ideas came from. In Section 3 we'll talk passions; the inevitable endpoint for anyone with great curiosity, is passion. Once these polymaths stumble on something of interest, they become passionate, and passion can carry them along some unusual paths. We'll explore a few of them.

In Module 4 we start by looking at morality and genius. As you might expect by now, they do not always go hand in hand. We'll explore a few examples of the rebellious nature of most geniuses, and the personally destructive nature of several others, and we will consider the relationship between genius and so-called "disabilities." Finally, we'll step back and ask the following question: To what degree are we as individuals willing to tolerate bad behavior and, indeed, personal destruction, in order to benefit from the creative innovation that the genius brings to society? Finally, we end by suggesting the personal and societal implications inherent in the study of genius. We'll send you off by suggesting how you, and society, might employ the knowledge you've gained as you have explored "The Nature of Genius."