In 1904, Havelock Ellis noted that most geniuses were fathered by men older than 30, had mothers younger than 25, and usually were sickly children.  Other researchers have reported that many were celibate (Descartes), fatherless (Dickens), or motherless (Darwin).  The bottom line is that the research and data are not at all consistent.  There is also no correlation between genius and intelligence.  Genius does not appear to be about scoring 1600 on your SAT, mastering quantum physics at age 7, or even being especially smart.

Rather, genius seems to be about being able to see solutions that others don’t see.  The mark of genius is being willing to explore all the alternatives, not just the most likely solution.  Asked to describe the difference between himself and an average person, Albert Einstein explained that the average person faced with the problem of finding a needle in a haystack would stop when he/she found a needle.  But Einstein would tear through the entire haystack looking for all possible needles.

“We should take care not to make the intellect our god;
it has of course powerful muscles, but no personality. 
It cannot lead, it can only serve.”

— Leonardo da Vinci

Seeking to approach the usual in an unusual way can often lead to new solutions.  Purposeful, principled dissent can offer us “perspective by incongruity”.  In mythology, the Greek god Janus had two opposing faces, from which we get the term Janusian thinking.  Being able to see things from two totally opposite viewpoints is often the beginning of genius thinking.  Niels Bohr, a noted physicist, argues that if you hold opposites together in your mind, you will suspend your normal thinking process and allow an intelligence beyond rational thought to create a new form.  Our society tells us to stay inside the lines.  God gives us a blank sheet of paper and infinite creativity.

"The real act of discovery is not in finding new lands,
 but in seeing with new eyes."

— Marcel Proust

Now, what about that job search?  Are you going to look at the newspaper classifieds like the thousands of others looking for work or are you going to do something different?  I had a client once who sent his introduction letters out, wrapped around an ear of corn and then used a play on that for his message – “Aw, shucks, I’m sure you think this is corny, but just give me your ear for a minute,” etc. etc.  Yes, he got response and immediate opportunities.   Are you a genius or are you just another smart, intelligent, sophisticated, high IQ, great GPA, predictable, lacking results kind of person?

From the Bible

“How does a man become wise?  The first step is to trust and reverence the Lord!  Only fools refuse to be taught.”  Proverbs 1:7-8 (TLB)

Direction for Today

How can you broaden the options for solutions on a problem you have today?

Dan's two workbook & CD sets, 48 Days To The Work You Love and 48 Days To Creative Income were created to help you clarify what you were meant to do and develop a plan of action to make it happen quickly!