The Daily Stoic The Fine Line Between Genius and Delusion | Journalist Helen Lewis
25 snips
Dec 10, 2025 
Join journalist and author Helen Lewis as she delves into the fine line between genius and delusion. She explores how being the smartest often leads to trouble, revealing insights on why overthinking can distort intelligent ideas into bad decisions. Lewis discusses the impact of ego on careers and the myth of the lone genius, while also warning against the dangers of groupthink in journalism. Finally, she examines how success can enable destructive behaviors and the importance of distancing oneself from toxic influences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Genius Myth Warps Judgment
- Genius myths inflate ego and make smart people more prone to bad ideas.
- Helen Lewis argues the lone-genius story is emotionally satisfying but misleading.
When Smart Thinking Becomes Absurd
- Overthinking can turn intelligence into absurd positions.
- University-style thought experiments show how smart people can follow logic to repugnant endpoints.
The Dinner Party Trap
- Ryan describes the "dinner party trap" where entourages enable bad ideas.
- Wealthy hosts cultivate safe rooms that shield provocative thinking from real criticism.
