Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Genius Myth, dives into the concept of genius with Yascha Mounk. They discuss how societal values shape our perceptions of genius, exploring why only tumultuous lives get the spotlight. Lewis challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding innate talent versus hard work and environmental influence, and critically examines the myth of the ‘tortured genius.’ The conversation also touches on the pressures of fame and how defining greatness goes beyond mere IQ.
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insights INSIGHT
Evolution of Genius Concept
The original idea of genius was a visiting spirit inspiring a work, not a person.
Our modern concept imagines genius as a socially awkward tech innovator deeply connected to technology.
insights INSIGHT
Genius as Flow and Danger
Genius moments feel like lightning strikes or flow states where creativity pours out effortlessly.
Yet believing everything one does is genius can be harmful and distorts self-perception.
insights INSIGHT
Technology Changes Expression
Technological and social changes shape how people express themselves and create.
New platforms like Substack enable more informal, direct communication and more impressionistic storytelling.
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Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period[3][4][5].
Snow
Guneli Gun
Maureen Freely
Orhan Pamuk
The Genius Myth
A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea
Helen Lewis
Outliers
The Story of Success
Malcolm Gladwell
In 'Outliers: The Story of Success', Malcolm Gladwell examines the often-overlooked factors that contribute to high levels of success. He argues that success is not solely the result of individual talent or hard work, but rather is influenced by a complex web of advantages and inheritances, including cultural background, family, generation, and luck. The book delves into various examples, such as the success of Bill Gates, the Beatles, and Canadian ice hockey players, to illustrate how these factors play a crucial role. Gladwell also discusses the '10,000-hour rule' and the impact of cultural legacies on behavior and success. The book is divided into two parts: 'Opportunity' and 'Legacy', each exploring different aspects of how success is achieved and maintained.
Hamlet
William Shakespeare
The play revolves around Prince Hamlet's journey to avenge his father's murder, which was committed by his uncle Claudius. Hamlet's father's ghost appears and reveals that he was poisoned by Claudius, who then married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude. Hamlet feigns madness while he investigates and plots his revenge. The play explores themes of betrayal, mortality, and the human condition, culminating in a tragic finale where nearly all main characters die, including Hamlet, Claudius, Gertrude, and several others[1][3][5].
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Helen Lewis explore what our ideas of genius mean, whether you need to die young to be considered one—and why no one cares about geniuses with boring lives.
Podcast production by Mickey Freeland and Leonora Barclay.
The Good Fight 
