The Nature of Genius from Coursera

Today "genius" is all around us. Celebrities, athletes, child prodigies, even your local Apple employees, all are referred to as geniuses. But are they? And if not these individuals then who? In this course, Henry L. and Lucy G. Moses Professor of Music Emeritus and author of The Hidden Habits of Genius, Craig Wright, will begin by giving you his definition and prerequisites for true genius and challenge you to come up with your own.

From there we'll look at examples of geniuses both historical and modern to try to identify the threads that bind them together and understand what separates the true genius from the wannabe... We’ll explore where creativity, curiosity and passion originate and how geniuses are able to discover, cultivate and apply their prodigious stores of each so as to fashion world changing ideas and inventions.

Specific topics covered in the course include:

Genius and Gender

Genius and Money

Whether or not celebrities and athletes can be considered geniuses

Where and when genius happen

The morality of genius

Genius and inequality

And dozens more

While this course almost assuredly will not turn anyone into a genius, we hope it will serve to inspire you to cultivate your own creativity, explore your own curiosity, and pursue your own passion.

What's inside

Syllabus

Genius Defined, Genius Denied , Genius and Geography

In Section 1 of Module 1 we determine, jokingly, whether you're a genius or not, provide examples of geniuses as opposed to mere celebrities or prodigies, and discover how what defines "genius" is highly subjective and ever-changing. In Section 2 we look at genius and gender. We discuss the disadvantages that the few female geniuses who do come down to us in our history book faced in their societies. We consider how far we may have progressed and what opposition still remains for women today. In Section 3 we look at genius in relationship to race, geography and society. We talk about the importance of originality in genius and about what societal factors can either encourage or discourage genius.

First Things First

In Section 1 of Module 2 we jump into the age-old question: is it nature or is it nurture? We'll talk about the growing science of epigenetics, the many forms of intelligence and how to best measure each. In Section 2 we consider neoteny in genius. How employing childlike thinking could be a key to genius. We'll also take some time to explore in-depth one of the more famous neotenic geniuses from our past, Mozart. Then we'll move on to discover how we deal with our young prodigies and savants in ways that may actually prevent genius from blossoming. In Section 3 we'll get down to brass tacks and talk about money's role in genius. Do you need to be rich to be a genius? What should geniuses do with their money once they accumulate it?

What Makes Genius?

Module 3 delves into the enablers of genius to see what drives them and what allows them to achieve such singular greatness in their lifetimes. Section 1 entitled "curiosity and a tolerance for risk," may go a long way to explaining the just-asked question. We'll study perhaps the single most curious person in history, the great, Leonardo da Vinci, and look in on a typical day in his life. In Section 2 we'll move on to explore creativity and great polymaths in history. We'll take time to examine how they think and where their ideas came from. In Section 3 we'll talk passions; the inevitable endpoint for anyone with great curiosity, is passion. Once these polymaths stumble on something of interest, they become passionate, and passion can carry them along some unusual paths. We'll explore a few of them.

Disruption, Genius and Morality, Genius and “Disability”

In Module 4 we start by looking at morality and genius. As you might expect by now, they do not always go hand in hand. We'll explore a few examples of the rebellious nature of most geniuses, and the personally destructive nature of several others, and we will consider the relationship between genius and so-called "disabilities." Finally, we'll step back and ask the following question: To what degree are we as individuals willing to tolerate bad behavior and, indeed, personal destruction, in order to benefit from the creative innovation that the genius brings to society? Finally, we end by suggesting the personal and societal implications inherent in the study of genius. We'll send you off by suggesting how you, and society, might employ the knowledge you've gained as you have explored "The Nature of Genius."

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

May be a good fit for musicians, composers, and academics

Taught by Craig Wright, professor of music with many years of academic experience

Explores historical and modern examples, likely providing a comprehensive perspective

Examines various aspects of genius, from gender and money to morality and disability

May help learners understand the nature of genius and its implications for society

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Nature of Genius with these activities:

Refresh Your Knowledge of Psychology

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This activity will prepare you with the knowledge of psychology to aid you in understanding genius.

Browse courses on Psychology

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Review your notes from previous psychology courses.
Read articles and books on psychology.
Watch documentaries and videos on psychology.

Read The Hidden Habits of Genius

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This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the habits and characteristics of geniuses, drawing on extensive research and case studies.

View The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ,... on Amazon

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Read the book.
Take notes on the key points.
Write a summary of the book.

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Career center

Learners who complete The Nature of Genius will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Inventor

This course will help Inventors develop a deeper understanding of the nature of genius. It will explore the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate one's own creativity. The course will also discuss the role of passion and perseverance in the creative process. This knowledge will help Inventors develop new products and services.

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Musician

Musicians will gain a deeper understanding of the nature of genius and how it applies to their craft. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the creative process. This course may also give Musicians insights on how to gain inspiration for their craft and connect with their audience.

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Poet

This course will provide Poets with insights into the nature of genius, as well as the challenges and rewards that come with it. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the creative process.

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Author

A course on the nature of genius is directly applicable to the life of an Author. As literature is an art form that requires creativity and imagination, one who wishes to master this craft should take this course. Moreover, this course delves into the enablers of genius such as curiosity, creativity, and passion. It also discusses morality in the context of genius and how this can be a source of personal destruction. Authors will need to grapple with many of the same issues that geniuses do.

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Dancer

This course examines the nature of genius and how it applies to the field of dance. Dancers will gain a deeper understanding of creativity and the different types of intelligence that contribute to it. They will learn how to cultivate their own creativity and develop their artistic skills. Additionally, this course may help Dancers develop their stage presence and connect with their audience on a deeper level.

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Painter

A course that delves into the nature of genius will provide Painters with a greater understanding of the creative process and how they can apply these lessons to their own work. This course will also introduce Painters to the different aspects of genius, including creativity, curiosity, and passion. This knowledge will help Painters cultivate their own creativity and develop their artistic skills.

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Architect

A course on The Nature of Genius will help Architects understand the creative process of some of history's greatest minds. By delving into what genius is, they will be able to connect to the different types of geniuses that exist, and see how they all connect to the field of Architecture. The topics covered within this course, such as Genius and Gender and Genius and Inequality, may provide Architects with a new perspective.

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Psychologist

Psychologists may take this course to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of genius and how it applies to their field. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the creative process. This knowledge may help Psychologists develop new approaches to therapy and counseling.

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Teacher

Teachers may take this course to gain a better understanding of the nature of genius and how they can apply this knowledge to their teaching. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate creativity in their students. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the learning process. This knowledge may help Teachers develop new teaching methods and strategies.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs may take this course to gain a better understanding of the nature of genius and how they can apply this knowledge to their businesses. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the entrepreneurial process.

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Journalist

Journalists may take this course to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of genius and how it applies to their work. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the journalistic process. This knowledge may help Journalists develop new reporting methods and strategies.

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Doctor

The Nature of Genius may prove useful for Doctors who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of genius and how it applies to the medical field. This course will explore the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate creativity. It will also discuss the role of passion and perseverance in the medical process.

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Lawyer

This course is beneficial for Lawyers who wish to gain a better understanding of the nature of genius and how it applies to their field. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the legal process.

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Software Engineer

The course will teach Software Engineers about the nature of genius and how to apply it to their work. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the software development process. This course may also teach Software Engineers how to better understand the needs of their users.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts may take this course to gain a better understanding of the nature of genius and how it applies to their work. They will learn about the different types of intelligence and how to cultivate their own creativity. The course will also explore the role of passion and perseverance in the financial analysis process. This knowledge will help Financial Analysts develop new investment strategies.

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