The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit—Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness

Seldom does one run into a book where you learn abundant interesting stuff and have fun at the same time. Whether you are a parent, educator, music lover, student, engineer/scientist (I happen to be all of the above), you have a very good chance of finding, in the 14 chapters (plus introduction and epilogue) of the book, numerous stuff that you don’t know before, drawn from the life and work of ancient and present-day geniuses. Actually, I should also add musicians, writers, politicians and entrepreneurs (the categories I am not). Very likely, while learning the stuff, a smile will also light up your face. Some examples: “A young musician arrives in New York City and naively asks, ‘How do you get to Carnegie Hall?’. The response: ‘Practice’”. The author adds that he tried that and it didn’t work. “Hard work has its limits.” “Beethoven had trouble adding figures and never learned to multiply or divide.” “The A students get hired to teach in the universities, and the B’s get relatively good jobs working for the C’s.” \”It\’s technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields the results that make our hearts sing.\” – Steve Jobs. “What can we conclude from the foray into the minds of childlike geniuses over the centuries? That the least helpful thing we can say to our children, as well as to ourselves, is ‘Grow up’”. I have already put the last quote into practice. I told my children NOT to tell their children to “Grow up”. Hopefully, this lesson I learned from the book will help to retain my grandkids’ child curiosity – one of the hidden habits of genius. In summary, a scholarly and resourceful book.

Who wouldn’t want to know what it takes to be a genius? First, of course, one must understand what it means to be a genius. To Professor Wright, it seems that on top of talent, intelligence, and success, a genius is someone who changes the world in some way. Though arguable, it seems a fair argument. Then he goes on to analyze qualities shared by people who seem to qualify for the epithet. Much of what he has to say is not surprising. Having a lust for learning, leveraging your difference, being a misfit, and having the ability to concentrate deeply are all qualities of the genius. He also points out things that are obvious but are often denied by genius-admirers. For example, the game is rigged towards men achieving genius over women, and that luck plays a large role in one’s ability to change the world. The sad truth is, there is no instruction manual for creating a genius. Though having many of these qualities is often a good thing and can help one be successful, true genius is a rare coming together of ability and opportunity. Even so, this book is fun to read. It’s entertaining to look for the seeds of genius in ourselves as we examine the expressions of genius in others.

When social issues are force fed by agents of “change” it reduces your believability when you are into the meatier matters. Basically with your views we just sit back and wait for genius to manifest itself without a single pattern of how to nurture or focus maturing minds. Everyone is obviously not a genius but everyone has something to offer. Are there separate ways of training genius? Can one method bring out the best in all. Leave the social stuff out. It’s not important here gay, women or race. Unless your trying to tell me cream doesn’t rise to the top because Social forces are restricting growth. Another subject for another day. I felt force fed reading this book.

I am an avid reader, and every once in a while I find myself enraptured in a book such as this. Dr. Wright is inviting to all in his prose, and though we all have bits of historical knowledge when it comes to various figures, he reintroduces us to them. For example, did you know that Mozart was a bit of a potty mouth? Or that Da Vinci was so naturally curious that it often kept him from finishing things, as he already was deep into questions surrounding the next project? It is not shocking, it is a flow of blood into our society, and even our own capabilities, if we would push ourselves. I highly recommend this book, and even bought a copy as a gift as well. Prepare to be inspired, and sad, when you finish it and have to say goodbye to the flow of ideas.

I was introduced to this book because I’m taking an online course of Wright’s. I am thoroughly enjoying his course so decided to order this book he’d authored. This book is insightful, provoking, enlightening, and entertaining. The moment I finished it, I began it again because it is just that good & dense with information, interesting facts, and motivating. I would have loved to have it on digital but the hardback will be passed around to friends and family. Great gift to all the “geniuses” you know. Great inspiration for those who aspire to be. Wright’s style, like his on-line class through Yale is both engaging & informing.

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