5 traits of genius

Some say they are born, others say they are made. The truth is that geniuses have always intrigued researchers, who have written hundreds of pages about them. During the 19th century, at the height of romanticism, the figure of the genius acquired an almost supernatural connotation.. They were said to be gifted, predestined beings, full of genius. That they spoke secretly with the muses or that they had divine inspiration in their discoveries and creations.

With advances in neurology, genetics and psychology, among other disciplines, some of these concepts were reevaluated. It was understood that hereditary characteristics, but above all early stimulation and adequate education, formed people with notable intelligence.. Whether they achieved genius or not depended on their perseverance.

In 1998, Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote the book “Creativity”. To prepare the text he interviewed 91 people who were considered “geniuses” in their environment. The sample included 14 Nobel Prize winners. On that basis was able to define five characteristics that were present in all of them and that had more to do with personality traits than with specific intellectual abilities.. We will immediately tell you what those traits of genius are.

1. Curiosity and determination

All those interviewed by Csikszentmihalyi They showed a deep passion for the work they did. This characteristic was seen in the curiosity that constantly invaded them..

They always wanted to know more about the subject they were working on. And they were capable of sacrificing many things in order to stay in their work. Everything indicates that a deep desire to achieve his intellectual objectives was the main driving force of his efforts.

2. Self-taught or semi-self-taught

Based on a study by Professor Dean Keith Simonton, of the University of California, it was concluded that The educational level is not decisive in the life of the so-called “geniuses”.
In fact, on a sample of 300 cases it was established that, as a general rule, the most intelligent did not have great degrees., nor a prolonged formal education. Most had only average degrees.

What was revealing is that All of these men and women dedicate much of their time to the study of their subject of interest. They do it on their own, without institutions or qualifications involved.. Simply because they like it to the limit of reason.

3. They are methodical and self-critical

For psychologist Howard Gardner, the great geniuses of history have a similar work pattern. They are experimental: they test everything and question their own findings no matter how much effort it has cost them.. They follow a trial and error scheme and take it to the extreme. They think a lot about what they do and always want to go further.

4. Lonely, boring and even depressing

Most of the geniuses They go through stages where they are marginalized from their environment, especially during adolescence. Being so focused on what constitutes their center of interest, they generally do not develop great social skills or participate much in group activities. Sometimes they become obsessive and sullen. Many of them are intractable, selfish and manic.

5. They are not interested in money

Geniuses do not act motivated by the rewards or punishments they receive from their environment. They are enthralled with a topic and their greatest gratification is being able to advance in their understanding or management of it.

Many of them have had to go through times of misery, because they resist working for money.. They do it only out of conviction, out of love. If that means poverty, it ultimately doesn’t matter to them.

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