The Secrets Behind the Genius: Understanding Early Opportunity and Supportive Environment

Have you ever asked yourself, 'How do gifted people get to be so much better?' Are they blessed with good genes and a healthy environment from birth? This question has puzzled many, including myself when I was younger. I wondered why some phrases, like 'I regret that I have but one life to give up for my country' or 'Romeo Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo,' were taught as if each word were platinum. Was there a secret ingredient to what made someone a genius?

Labels can be misleading. Proven examples like Vincent Van Gogh remind us that genius doesn't necessarily come with fame or prestige. He was not famous in his lifetime, often ridiculed, and struggled with poverty before taking his own life. Today, he is remembered as a genius of the first order. The label doesn't matter as much as finding what you love, working hard to get good at it, and persisting through challenges.

Opportunity and Supportive Environment

Genius tends to be clustered in similar ways. Start by looking at ancient Greece, home to incredibly gifted people like Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, and Euclid. Then consider the era and region that produced some of the most renowned classical composers: Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart.

Why are geniuses so often clustered in certain historical periods and locations? The answer lies in opportunity and lack of it. For instance, could Mozart have been composing merry tunes at age five if musical education hadn't been readily available and encouraged in young boys?

Uneven Distribution of Talent

Differences in opportunities explain why certain regions have produced more geniuses. Baroque music, for example, saw the presence of talent that might not have flourished outside of the era and geographical region of music education and encouragement. Similarly, my personal experience with oatmeal raisin cookies highlights the importance of placing yourself in the right environment to grow and develop.

For example, the Renaissance period in Italy and the Golden Age of Dutch Masters were fertile grounds for talent. Imagine the scene: artists with access to education, resources, and instruction, all of which contributed to their exceptional contributions to art. However, talent is evenly distributed around the world, and if artists in other regions of the world had the same opportunities, we might have even more masterpieces to admire. Unfortunately, regions like Central Africa and Uruguay lacked the necessary educational and cultural amenities.

Belief and Persistence

Talent and support are only the first steps. Gifted individuals also need to believe in themselves, work hard to master their craft, and persevere through setbacks. Take, for instance, celebrated author Stephen King. He received numerous rejection letters before he made it big, but he didn't let these challenges deter him. Instead, he pushed forward and sent his work to various publishers. King immortalized his rejection letters by pinning them to the wall with a nail, emphasizing the importance of persistence. His first novel, Carrie, was rejected 80 times.

Rowling, another gifted individual, also faced numerous rejections. She persevered, sending her manuscript for the first book of the Harry Potter series to 12 publishers before finally being accepted by the lucky 13th one. These stories remind us that even the most talented individuals face rejection and must have the courage and confidence to keep going.

Personal Anecdote and Advice

A personal anecdote from a visit to Johns Hopkins University reading by a visiting author further illustrates the point. The author was asked what makes one person a genius and another not. She responded by sharing that when she was a child, she had a friend who was great at drawing and painting. When she met him years later, he had given up on art because 'he wasn’t a genius or anything.' However, she had a different perspective, emphasizing that being a genius is overrated and that the key is to follow your passion without letting labels limit you.

Her advice is profound: to stop letting labels and external opinions dictate your path. Focus on what you love and work hard to develop your talents. As you navigate challenges, remember that every setback is a learning opportunity and a chance to grow stronger.

In conclusion, the journey to greatness is often a story of early opportunity and a supportive environment. By understanding and embracing these principles, we can foster the growth of new geniuses in any field, regardless of geographic or cultural barriers. So, keep your head up, follow your passions, and never let labels stand in your way.