IntroductionWhy do geniuses fascinate us? The genius as a new hero myth
Chapter One
Origin and history of the concept of genius. The scientific study of genius. How do we measure genius? Definition of genius. How do we determine who is a genius and who is not ? The concept of misunderstood genius and forgotten genius
Chapter Two
The typologies of genius. Is there a generic genius or is genius always specialized? Is it possible to be a genius in multiple sectors of knowledge? Genius and multiple intelligences. Political genius, military genius and business genius. Does it make sense to talk about evil genius? The concept of reverse genius (for example consider the movies of Ed Wood, so badly made as to become classics)
Chapter Three
Nature or culture? What produces genius, genetics, environment, free-will (if it exists), or a mixture of these things? What role does trauma have in the development of a genius? And what about education? Up to what point is genius self-taught? Among other things in this chapter we will introduce the Darwinian theory of genius, promoted by Dean Keith Simonton
Chapter Four
Genius and talent. How do they differ?
Fifth Chapter
Genius, IQ and intelligence. Why the link between IQ and genius is actually weak
Chapter Six
Genius and creativity. Normal creativity and genius creativity, difference of degree or qualitative difference?
Chapter Seven
Neurobiology of genius. The myth of Einstein 's brain
Chapter Eight
The stroke of genius, definition and psychological processes involved. Eureka and insight; inspiration and preparatory work. The cognitive process that leads to brilliant work: heuristics vs algorithms. Genius and serendipity
Chapter Nine
Is there a typical genius personality? Genius and chameleon personality. Genius and madness. Does madness help or hinder the work of genius?
Chapter Ten
Lifecycle of the genius. Surviving your own genius. The swan song phenomenon (the last great work of genius before the death); genius and the relationship with death. Precocious genius and late bloomers
Chapter Eleven
Sociability and loneliness, the presence of partners and mentors, teamwork and the concept of being on the shoulders of giants. Collective genius, historical epochs, zeitgeist and individual genius. Parallel discoveries
Chapter Twelve
What do geniuses think of their genius? Philosophy and genius; philosophy of genius. Is the genius aware of being so?
Chapter Thirteenth
Anders Ericsson and deliberate practice, or how to become a genius. Genius, performance and the rule of ten thousand hours of practice. The concept of cognitive modifiability. Can you become a genius? The geniuses and us, the normal people. Genius, deliberate practice and the world of sport
Chapter Fourteenth
The future of genius. Genius and AI. Genius and Genetic Engineering. Is it - or will it be - possible to reproduce genius?