Why are some people... geniuses?

[VioletVortex]

Please actually learn about Autism and Aspergers before makiI think that the reason I do not perform well in school is my hypothetically low EQ.ng such assumptions. What you say "definitely not related to someone" are indeed common traits of people with Asperger's; but rather they they can and will look people in the eyes it's just another social thing they have to taught to do, their behaviors may make them appear self centered, and very often they do have only a few interests but a very zealous and passionate interests in them.

Just getting a diagnosis isn't going to change you. I was once diagnosed with a psychotic disorder NOS. Didn't suddenly change my behaviors. This "*****" didn't ruin your life.

Mines low and I graduated with honors and distinctions.

The only reason I don't like eye contact is because I am short, and find it subordinating to have to look up at people. I also feel as though it makes them uncomfortable that I'm starting them in the eyes.

The psychologist did nothing but make me ashamed of myself. The only thing good that came out of this stint of meeting with her was that I got am exemption from taking a foreign language. That's irrelevant now, as I am taking French next year by choice.

How is being verbally mute in any way similar to having strong interests, occasionally shunning social interaction, and having OCD tendencies? That's kind of like saying that a common cold is the same thing as the plague because they both have the potential to cause fever, malaise, congestion, and swollen lymph nodes? Seems pretty absurd to me.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

How is being verbally mute in any way similar to having strong interests, occasionally shunning social interaction, and having OCD tendencies?

Those are all typical traits for those with Asperger's. Not everyone one will have them, but they are common enough.

 

[Deidre]

Because of genetics. Next question.

But why are some people's genetics ''better'' than others? That's where I'm not understanding.

 

[Socratic Berean]

This topic is the subject of the cover story of the May 2017 edition of National Geographic. It covers the many facets of genius (genetics, upbringing, tenacity, other) by comparing historical figures and giving an overview of the current state of research on the matter. Quite informative for this layman.

 

[VioletVortex]

Those are all typical traits for those with Asperger's. Not everyone one will have them, but they are common enough.

You seem to be missing my point. It seems that you can look anywhere and run across an "HFA" such as someone with "Asperger's syndrome". Why diagnose it if so many people would meet the criteria?

 

[The magical volleyball]

Genius is just a word we give people who are able to process a great amount of information in a short amount of time. Also the human brain is nothing more than a biological computer. So the computer that some people are born with is faster than others. People can also train the brain or program it with shortcuts to make processing new information easier.

 

[sayak83]

There is a series running right now called Genius, it's about Einstein's life story. It got me to thinking, why are some people so much smarter than others? Naturally smarter? Why was Einstein (and those like him) so much more naturally intelligent than most of us?

Is the answer likely to be any different from why some people have a great singing voice?

 

[Eliab ben Benjamin]

Genius is just a word we give people who are able to process a great amount of information in a short amount of time. Also the human brain is nothing more than a biological computer. So the computer that some people are born with is faster than others. People can also train the brain or program it with shortcuts to make processing new information easier.

From my observation and study, those labeled with a high IQ tend to be those who a curious about all
around them and investigate and research to learn more, whilst those considered lower but without a
disability tend to be people who choose to react to events as they happen rather than utilize their grey matter
to learn of the world in anticipation ....

Yes sorry i am a MENSA geek.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

You seem to be missing my point. It seems that you can look anywhere and run across an "HFA" such as someone with "Asperger's syndrome". Why diagnose it if so many people would meet the criteria?

I suspect it may have to do with people with Aspergers having brain structures that are formed differently than those without (adding a basis of physical evidence of the existence of it) and because it impairs social functioning which creeps over into finding/retaining gainful employment. And also because with help, those with AS can learn to function better in society, with many able to pass for not even being on the Autism spectrum.

 

[Deidre]

Is the answer likely to be any different from why some people have a great singing voice?

Hmmm, not quite the same thing, in my opinion. You could be born with a naturally beautiful singing voice, but could also train. I don't think anyone can train or educate him/herself to becoming a genius, as someone can train to becoming an incredible athlete, singer, etc.

 

[sayak83]

Hmmm, not quite the same thing, in my opinion. You could be born with a naturally beautiful singing voice, but could also train. I don't think anyone can train or educate him/herself to becoming a genius, as someone can train to becoming an incredible athlete, singer, etc.

Now that's the claim you will have to defend.

 

[Deeje]

@Deidre From my studies of the Bible, it appears as if the human race has regressed from the perfection with which they were first created. You only have to look at the capabilities of autistic savants to understand the enormous capacity for genius, not just in the areas of science, but also in maths, art and music that some individuals manifest. Imagine if we all had the capacity for genius in any endeavor we chose to pursue? There would be no frustration because of not being able to live up to our own expectations. Don't we need to ask why we have those expectations to begin with? Why do we love things that are "perfect"?

We have all experienced the disappointment of beginning a project, only to have it end in various levels of failure. We obviously had faith in our abilities to start with, but somewhere along the way we did not produce the expected result. We might even be relatively happy with the result but someone else may identify deficiencies...which is also disappointing.

Savants are living proof that we are capable of amazing accomplishments, but apparently they are gained by being deficient in other areas at present. I believe that we will all return to our original condition one day when God has established his kingdom. There will be no defective people who don't meet their own expectations, let alone anyone else's. This is the "good news of the kingdom" that we were told to preach......it will be the best rulership mankind have ever had.....leading them back to the perfection that God originally created, which was interfered with by 3 rebels back in the garden of Eden.

It was always God's intention to get back what we lost....that is why Jesus came to offer a ransom for us.....so that God's will could be done "on earth as it is in heaven".

 

[Nous]

I am unaware of any evidence showing that there is any difference in the brains or genes of people considered "geniuses" vs. the norm of people who are not considered "geniuses". In the first place, to some degree,"genius" is in the eye of the beholder. Some rock stars might be "genius" but never recognized as such, fail to graduate from university, never take an IQ test. In any case, I suspect the smartest people are those who are willing and motivated to use their brains, to take in as much information as possible, and to use it both logically and creatively.