What is the difference between genius and intelligent? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world...READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Answer by Dr. Abbie Maroño, PhD in Psychology and Behavior Analysis, on Quora:
You don’t have to look far into the media, especially the music industry, to find artists who label themselves as geniuses. Similarly, we often consider recipients of prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize or the Pulitzer Prize as geniuses. But are these individuals truly geniuses, or are they simply highly creative or intelligent? What does it really mean to be a genius?
The distinction between genius and intelligence involves both quantitative and qualitative differences in cognitive abilities and creative output.
Intelligence generally refers to the ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge and skills. It encompasses a range of cognitive functions including problem-solving, logical reasoning, verbal and mathematical ability, and memory. Intelligence is often measured using IQ tests, which aim to quantify these abilities and compare them across individuals.
Genius, on the other hand, is a rarer and more specialized form of intellectual capability. It is often characterized by exceptional creativity, originality, and the ability to generate novel ideas or solutions that significantly advance a field of knowledge or artistic endeavor. While a genius typically possesses high intelligence, not all highly intelligent individuals are considered geniuses. Genius also involves a profound depth of insight and the capacity to see connections or possibilities that others might not.
The distinction between the two has been heavily studied in the empirical literature, particularly within psychology and neuroscience. Let’s look at some specific differences.
Creativity and Innovation: Studies show that genius often involves a higher degree of creativity and divergent thinking. Geniuses are able to think outside conventional boundaries and come up with innovative solutions or artistic expressions. This is less commonly measured in standard intelligence tests.
Neural Connectivity: Research using brain imaging techniques has found that geniuses may have unique patterns of neural connectivity that allow for more efficient processing of complex information and novel problem-solving. This might involve greater connectivity between different brain regions associated with creative and analytical thinking.
Persistence and Passion: Psychological studies highlight that geniuses often exhibit extraordinary persistence and passion for their work. This relentless pursuit of their interests can lead to groundbreaking discoveries or masterpieces. Intelligence, while important, does not necessarily entail this same level of dedication or drive.
In essence, while intelligence provides a broad foundation of cognitive abilities, genius involves an extraordinary level of creativity, innovation, and perseverance that leads to exceptional achievements.
