The curse of genius

The curse of genius

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Do you ever think to yourself, “Wow, I’m a genius”? If so, it’s first worth considering whether you’re a narcissist. Second, you’re probably overestimating your abilities. A book by Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach, two cognitive scientists, argues that humans evolved as part of a hive mind, benefiting from co-operation and community. Individually, we’re pretty limited. But intelligence and creativity are nonetheless marvels: consider, as Daniel Dennett points out in another book, that human neurons are ultimately distant relatives of tiny yeast cells.

The brain is an immensely complex organ, which changes radically as it ages. In 2018 we looked at how to nurture naturally gifted young minds (and explained why IQ tests are far from perfect). And if all this brainpower leaves you feeling a little deficient, know that being clever isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. 1843, our sister magazine, asked why so many bright sparks end up as miserable misfits.

Bo Franklin, Senior digital editor

Editor’s picks

The curse of genius

We see exceptional intelligence as a blessing. So why, asks Maggie Fergusson, are so many brilliant children miserable misfits?


You’re not as smart as you think you are

Human cleverness arises from distributing knowledge between minds, making people think they know more than they do


How and why to search for young Einsteins

New research suggests new ways to nurture gifted children


How humans became intelligent

Consciousness explained


Artificial brains are helping scientists study the real thing

No model is perfect. But that doesn’t stop them being useful


A tiny, ancient hominin may have been surprisingly clever

Small brains seem to be no barrier to culture and art


How your brain changes as you age

Our film explores the life cycle of one of the body’s most complex organs

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Asif Amin Farooqi

Chairman / Former President of Executive Committee in the Pakistan Association of the Deaf

11 个月

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Robert de Quelen

International business Coach et formateur en management

11 个月

So many people think their children are geniuses, and so many others think THEY are geniuses. What if that was not the point ? What if there were more important things in life, so as abilities to build happy relationships ?

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shahram Olaie

mergers & acquisitions at private investment

11 个月

Great thoughts ?? Dear The Economist team thank you for sharing. Best wishes

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Gregory Morris

SVP Global Marketing, MBA, Specializing in B2B, B2C, & DTC Growth Strategies, Expert in Revenue, Lead Gen, Digital Transformation, Digital Marketing & AI Innovator. ROI optimization, Brand and GTM.

11 个月

Where is the thumbs down button when you need it? Ouch. I’ve read many incredibly articulated articles and posts from The Economist. Not sure what the point was of this mini-article.

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