What is genius?

We call all sorts of people geniuses. We award prizes and lionize people in history books. It’s not unusual for genius to be recognized in hindsight. It’s common in art and sciencee.

Is genius extraordinary ability? Originality? Insight? Achievement? Recognition by others? Is it something that comes from individuals or does is come from somewhere else? Can it be cultivated? We talk about a moment of genius or genius striking, if it’s possible to be completely average in every way and moment except for a brief moment - what would that reveal about genius?

Scoundrels discussed this question in April 2024. We’re bringing it back to see what it does this time.