5 Traits Of Genius

Some say they are born, others that they are made. The truth is that geniuses have always intrigued researchers, who have written hundreds of pages around 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 especially early stimulation and adequate education, formed people with remarkable intelligence. Whether they reached 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 Laureates. On that basis, he 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. Next we will tell you what those traits of genius are.

1. Curiosity and determination

All those interviewed by Csikszentmihalyi showed a deep passion for the work they did. That 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 keep up with their work. Everything indicates that a deep desire to achieve his intellectual goals was the main engine of his effort.

2. Self-taught or semi-self-taught

Based on a study by Professor Dean Keith Simonton, from the University of California, it could be concluded that the educational level is not decisive in the life of the so-called “geniuses”.

In fact, out of a sample of 300 cases, it was established that, as a general rule, the most intelligent did not have great degrees or a long formal education. Most had only medium titles.

What was revealing is that all these men and women spend a large part of their time studying their subject matter. 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 the psychologist Howard Gardner, the great geniuses of history have a similar work pattern. They are experimental: they put everything to the test and question their own findings, no matter how hard it was. They follow a trial-error scheme and take it to the extreme. They reflect a lot about what they do and always want to go further.

4. Lonely, boring and even depressing

Most geniuses 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 maniacal.

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 some subject and their greatest gratification is being able to advance in their understanding or handling of it.

Many of them have had to go through times of misery, as 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.