The Making of a Genius and the Theory of Intellectual Motivators
The present paper critically evaluates the significance of Genius in a highly competitive global environment where Innovation is required. It examines the making of a genius, and the contradicting theories on the “Genius Gene” and “Genius Cultivated By Environment”, as well as anthropological aspects i.e. The brain size, hemispheric dominance and brain lateralisation. The original theory of the “Hierarchy of Intellectual Motivators” is introduced, to conclude with the cultivation of the genius as a contributor to knowledge, science and civilisation.
Introduction – Genius: A synonym to Innovation
What makes geniuses so absorbed and devoted to their work? Be it duty, pleasure or vanity? They are seeking something that is much more significant to them than pleasure or convenience: It is a life purpose to discover something that had previously been unknown. Nature exhibits unity in a broad range of phenomena, and inquisitive minds wish to find out the reality in which we live. Genius passes the point of passively observing: it uses past knowledge to innovate.
Genius may be expressed in a wide spectrum: It is perceived as an exceptional creative power or natural ability. It is an “extraordinary intellectual power”, or intellectual distinction.
The true meaning of genius is revealed by the word’s etymology: Genius is inherited from genes as geneticists can prove. Genesis, the history of mankind, has established the pattern of survival: the most powerful genetic material may survive and prevail over others. Through genealogy, personality traits, talents, mental energy and creativity are being carried onto the next generations.
There are numerous types and levels of Genius, depending on the degree and nature of creativity, intellectual power, and social acceptance of the individual’s skills.
The Making of a Genius
Scientific views and common beliefs seem incapable of establishing one single conclusion on whether genius is born, or made. Is genius inherited, does the environment affect brain’s development, or combined influences of these two factors affect cerebral evolution?
A critical evaluation of these factors may shed some light to this dilemma:
A. Genius inherited: The “genius gene” theory
Geneticists of the past two decades have established numerous revolutionary theories. They examined the DNA lineage, discovered the mysteries of its formation, and identified the genes which affect our character, mentality, health and appearance.
Naturally, brain issues reserved the geneticists’ undivided attention:
Research on adopted children revealed rather spectacular results: adopted children’s IQs are more closely correlated to biological parents, with whom they share genes, than adoptive parents, with whom they share the environment.
The distinction between prodigy and ordinary children was tested by recent research carried out by US National Institutes of Health, by comparison of the genetic material of 200 genius kids with the DNA of ordinary children.
Following the scientific conclusions of extensive research, the forming of “Genetic engineering”, or the “genetic species improvement” was only a matter of time. Thus, future parents who wish to rectify their embryoid genetic material will participate in the “fast-forward evolution” of mankind. Issues of ethics arise: are there any side effects? Are there any boundaries between man’s curiosity, and respect for Mother Nature?
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Post CommentAndy Sullivan
On September 16, 2008 at 2:12 am
A very interesting article with some mind-stimulating issues to consider.
Naya Douka
On September 16, 2008 at 2:55 am
Oh!! That is why i am so clever?? Thanks mummy!
he he, kidding! Really interesting and useful study! I just read very important things i did not know! Good job!
Mitchell Bollenback
On September 16, 2008 at 3:04 am
Extremely interesting thoughts about brain lateralisation. I would anticipate to see more detailed research information and news on the latest developments.
Jean Grier
On September 16, 2008 at 3:08 am
I enjoyed reading this article. I get the message that a serious ethical issue arises because of all this research and “playing” with the genes, dna etc. Let’s see what happens…
Tony Wilbur
On September 16, 2008 at 3:18 am
An overall good work. I truly enjoyed reading this, although I have so many questions like “Do all clever people have a holostic brain function?” And does this mean that your brain hemispheres work in harmony or that simultaneous functioning takes place ?
Peter Kim
On September 16, 2008 at 4:01 am
It felt as if this article answered quite a few questions on brain function. Well done !
Natasha Ververi
On September 16, 2008 at 5:30 am
This article offers an innovative, fresh approach towards classic issues on brain and intelligence.
Cheers !
Samir K.
On September 16, 2008 at 6:46 am
Great work, and an interesting gathering and evaluation of data.
I liked it ! Nevertheless, I would like to see some graphs to enable me to comprehend / recapitulate certain points of the essay.
Panagiotis
On September 16, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Although Marcy is not a neuropsychologist,wrote a very interesting article about the human intelligence and all these factors that influence it.
It contains lots of very useful informations and it is written in a very simple way so that it can be accesible by readers of all ages and educational levels.
I have to congradulate her and encourage her to continue her research with undiminished interest.
Moreno Tiziani
On September 16, 2008 at 6:16 pm
A very interesting article, writed in flowing way. And it’s not a simple topic to explain: Nature vs Nurture is the object of many studies and discussions, not only between researchers. But Marcy had the capacity to make easier this complexity to everyone!
Yes, behind this text there are a lot of questions, and I hope Marcy will go deep into the topic in a next article. Above all, I appreciated the “holistic view” shown here. Generally we read about the relation between genes and environment from a manichaean position: or gene (not “genes”) or milieu. Not only this is a bad way to discuss the topic, but also a background for reductionism (ok, this is the ghost of biologists, I know it…). In fact, genes are not responsible for IQ itself, but for the development of memory and learning capacities. I think it’s an aspect that Maria Montessori maybe understood when she proposed her educational method!
Aliki Davelopoulou
On September 28, 2008 at 10:21 am
This is a very interesting article that arouses our interest in a number of issues pertaining to intellegents and genes.
Bill Marshall
On September 28, 2008 at 10:23 am
I enjoyed reading this article and would love to see a further analysis of all these issues discussed. Perhaps a book…
William Marshall
Nick Pavlidis
On November 29, 2008 at 10:19 am
Wow – what an article! Truly, in an era of global crises, instability and social insecurity, it is worth searching in
our mind and see what we can do to improve the current situation.
Liked it !
Jillian S.
On December 26, 2008 at 9:59 am
A scientific research that is easy to read !
I really like this paper !
Antonette Ramos
On February 27, 2009 at 5:10 am
this is very informative and interesting at the same time. i enjoyed reading it…