In my discussions, whenever I have asked people to name a few smart, intelligent (and successful -though it is usually unsaid) professionals in different fields, there are a few names that pop up. When I ask about geniuses in different fields there is a list of names that is shared. Some of the names are common in the two lists, however without providing a proper definition, there still seems to be a clear difference in the two categories, in the minds of the people. In the list of geniuses there are a few names that often gets repeated like Mozart, Einstein, Ghalib, Vincent Van Gogh, Ramanujan. So, what is the difference and how do you spot it?

Perhaps it is about the nature of contribution towards a field that the genius makes, which has the power of redefining the field, the creation is considered almost perfect and harmonious and opens up a new portal which has hitherto not been in the realm of consciousness of others who have been in the field. However, this is evaluated when the measure is outside-in, what is the inside-out measure? It seems that the involvement in a particular field (the pursuit of it) is so immense and profound that internally it dissolves the boundary between the performer and the performance. The idea and the individual are perhaps fused inside and they form one identity. It is this distinguishing quality which allows the genius to pursue the idea with perseverance and not getting distracted or affected by other external events. It is this devotion to the field which perhaps also makes them appear different (well this is a euphemism!) to the others in the society.

Most likely the acceptable rules of getting the best performance out of an individual may not apply at all, the methods that have been touted as best ways of retaining and engaging a talent may come a cropper when one is dealing with someone who has a streak of a genius. The important questions that still requires some answers are:

What is the difference between a genius and a smart and intelligent professional, and how do you spot it?

Some events have a lasting impact on individuals, the depth of such events grows as years pass. In 1999 I saw the move Matrix, while deliberating on the questions written above, it is this movie that I got reminded of and would like to use some aspects of it in my attempt to decode the puzzle. A genius can see through “The Matrix” and is rarely caught up in the warp and weft that guides the rest. This warp and weft can be motivations, benchmark of success, idea of a happy life etc. This clarity of perspective is the building block of conviction that provides the momentum which is essential for the pursuit of goals which at times are achieved, at times are not achieved or not even acknowledged within a lifetime.

An intelligent or a smart person on the other hand makes (or has all the elements to make) the top most layer of the “rest”, is always ahead of the pack as he/she is a master of working through the ways of “The Matrix” BUT cannot escape it. The Matrix is his/her abode and s/he derives meaning out of it.

There are obvious aberrations that are visible while dealing with the genius, these are at times termed as quirks or idiosyncrasies specially by those who live by the code of the Matrix. The conviction about an approach, method, idea may appear as rigidity or non-conformity. All of this at times makes the person appear as misfit however with all of the above, the passion and talent with respect to a particular field or area oozes out even in a small interaction. The smart at times may see a reason/situation where s/he has to project the smartness in accepted ways of the Matrix, the genius on the other hand is effortless, even at times unaware of his/her greatness that shines through.

Few pointers that may indicate a streak of genius

• Effortlessly, on his/her own, goes beyond the obvious
• Challenges stereotypes with a conviction born out of some rationale
• Sets own benchmark
• Works “ON” the system
• Driven by possibilities (usually created by him/her, not borrowed)
• Willing to pay the price (The attitude is -I’d rather die than not do whatever I am supposed to do/pursue)
• Highly differentiated level of talent in a particular field (s)

A small caveat to end the article, presence of some of these characteristics doesn’t guarantee that we are in company of a genius!

“But the fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.”
― Carl Sagan