Helen Lewis, an Atlantic staff writer and author of The Genius Myth, delves into Elon Musk's reputation downfall. She discusses how he alienated both environmentalists and Trump supporters. The conversation explores the historical relationship between society and the idea of 'genius,' linking figures like Musk to Edison. Highlights include the dangers of self-identifying as a genius and the societal implications of genius narratives, particularly regarding gender. Lewis also contemplates Musk's potential paths forward amid public controversy.
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insights INSIGHT
Musk as Modern Edison
Elon Musk gained the "genius" label by revolutionizing multiple industries like space travel and electric cars.
His image parallels Thomas Edison as symbols of American technological pride.
insights INSIGHT
Genius Is a Public Role
Being a genius means embracing a special public myth and persona, not just achievements.
Musk's cultivated image and eccentricities differentiate him from innovators like Tim Berners-Lee.
insights INSIGHT
Epic Musk-Trump Ego Clash
Genius often involves a clash of massive egos, making partnerships fragile.
Musk's fallout with Trump is unsurprising given both see themselves as singular geniuses.
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'The Genius Factory: The Curious History of the Nobel Prize Sperm Bank' by David Plotz delves into the eccentric project of Robert K. Graham, who sought to improve the human race through selective breeding. Graham established a sperm bank that collected donations exclusively from Nobel laureates, with the goal of producing exceptionally intelligent offspring. Plotz explores the motivations behind Graham's endeavor and the social and scientific context of the time. The book examines the ethical implications of eugenics and the complexities of defining and measuring intelligence. Through interviews and historical research, Plotz uncovers the fascinating and unsettling story of a man who believed he could engineer a better future for humanity.
The Genius Myth
A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea
Helen Lewis
Hereditary Genius
Francis Galton
In *Hereditary Genius*, Francis Galton explores the idea that exceptional abilities are inherited, arguing that nature plays a more significant role than nurture. He presents evidence showing that high achievers often have relatives with similar abilities, concluding that eminence is largely due to hereditary factors. The book laid the groundwork for the field of eugenics, which aimed to improve the human race through selective breeding.
Difficult Women
Helen Lewis
Explaining how Musk tanked his reputation has many ways: First, he alienated environmentalists by teaming up with Trump, and then he alienated Trump fans by insulting their hero. Another way is clear by looking at American culture’s historical relationship with “genius,” and how it tends to go wrong.
In this episode, we talk with Helen Lewis, author of The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea, about what Musk has in common with Thomas Edison, how psychedelics fit into the archetype, and what the possible paths are for Musk moving forward.
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