There is a genius inside everyone, in some opinions. Sometimes we must search for the genius, and in other cases it is discovered quite easily and naturally. For instance, family members of the mentally impaired are usually surprised and delighted when it is revealed that there is one special area in which a child excels far beyond expectations.
It may have been discovered by accident as a child sits down at the piano for the first time, or picks up a violin, or begins to sing. The beauty of the music is amazing, and family and friends hopefully realize they are dealing with a musical genius and work to develop the child’s gifts. The part of the brain that controls these functions is highly developed, although other parts of the brain are severely impaired.
However, it’s not only the mentally challenged who are recipients of the rare gift of genius, although these are the cases that capture our attention and fascination. Other young children amaze their parents with extraordinary talents in music, art, reading, memorization, mathematics, the sciences, and other fields of interest. They excel in these areas and are sometimes so passionate about their interests that they need very little help in developing them to full potential. They are set apart from others as geniuses when tested for IQ levels that rank far above average IQ ranges.
Researchers note that the actual size of the brain of a genius tends to be larger than the average brain, and other facial features, such as a broad forehead and wide-set eyes may indicate the presence of extraordinary intelligence. This is not to say that all humans with these particular features are geniuses, but that some gifted humans do exhibit these facial features.
Two examples:
– A recent report discusses a 12-year old boy who can discuss and explain at length the intricacies and complexities of business and economics – a true genius. His level of knowledge is far above that of many of our most notable economists. It is hard to tell if his amazing talent will be put to good use in the future, or if he will exhibit the capabilities of a genius in other areas throughout his lifetime. He is modest in explaining that he is just “interested” in economics.
– A six-year-old stuns professors with his knowledge of prehistoric animals – he can name every one and tell every detail of their history. How did he absorb this amazing amount of knowledge in his six short years, when other children are struggling to print their name legibly? His parents explain that his reading and comprehension skills developed at an incredibly young age and he had a passion for this subject. His childhood books are filled with information that fuels his interest. He is able to memorize the information and his brain is capable of photographing it, thereby retaining it. In this area, he is a genius. Will he be noted as a genius in other interests, or will his genius status be limited to his passion for knowledge about prehistoric animals? A good indicator of future success in learning is his early ability to read and comprehend – a building block of intellect.
People who stand out in history for their genius status were not always outstanding in formal education. Albert Einstein was not a brilliant scholar as a young man. He wasn’t more than you or I on the surface. He was a mere mortal, but with a rare gift of genius that would come to light later. He is only one example, but his name is synonymous with the word “genius” and his story provides a good example.
So, is there a spark of genius residing in each of us, and if there is, how do we search for it? First we must accept and believe in the possibility that we have that spark in us. This does not mean we just think we have a pretty sharp mind – it means we believe we have a brain capable of producing thoughts, ideas, and results above and beyond what the average mind can produce. When we truly believe this, our mind and body begin to accept the possibility of genius and we may begin to achieve in ways that may amaze us and others, and be seen as genius.
Having great successes in a particular field can help identify areas where we excel. Putting emphasis on this area and concentrating here, we can develop our minds to attain levels of genius in our skills and talents, but to draw the genius out, we, and others, must first truly believe in the possibility of genius.
Working with experts and testing in these especially strong areas can lead us down paths that help with the development of them. Intelligence tests are sometimes helpful in discovering hidden talents and skills – ones that may astound us even later in life. Some people report having had an inkling that they were somehow “different” as children, but that they did not know what made them feel that way. Only later did they learn or acknowledge the extent of the mental skills they possessed and find ways to make use of these gifts.
Forging ahead with confidence and unwavering faith to find the genius inside is necessary, and it is nothing to fear. You may be able to give a great gift to the world as a result of searching out and discovering the genius inside you.
