things that you ought to know

[theladyrose]

It has been a long-standing realization of mine that most, if not all, of the most brilliant people I know don't really seem to recognize how wonderful they are. I personally know very few idiots; I don't take much of an interest in them, anyway. Certainly there are delusional fools, occasionally psychopathic, who are convinced that they are geniuses, but the vast majority of geniuses I have met (and I'd like to think I've met quite a few so far) are convinced that they are moronic dunderheads.

I don't really understand it. I do think that self-doubt does serve a useful purpose; it keeps you humble and willing to experiment. But in excess you are only cluttering your judgment and embroiling yourself needlessly in self-loathing. Let me assure you that your kindness and brainpower combined give me one hell of an inferiority complex on a regular basis. I refuse to believe that you have wasted your life on delusions of grandeur.

Because you're all brilliant, all of you.

Comments

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

You're one of the people I'm talking about, dearie, who doesn't know how brilliant she is.

Yeah, there are idiots and then there are idiots. I tend to forget they exist after awhile, though. I think I know who you are thinking about, but I do think there are quite a few geniuses within our own age range that don't realize their own worth.

Perhaps we do have different ideas of "genius." For me, that's an all-encompassing term of mental brilliance and compassion.

[(Anonymous)]

In some form I agree with you. However, somehow, to me, "genius" tends to carry with it the connotation that one is not quite human. Therefore, when I get to know someone I often think "Wow, they have feelings! They must be human!" which somehow slightly removes them from genius status in my mind. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes you get to know someone and they are human and yet still a genius. There is one person in particular that insists that she is not smart and it stuns me. She is one of the most brilliant people I know. I suppose I don't think of many people in our age range because I feel that most within our grade acknowledge their geniuses, (see Sophie's comment. Also, by writing that post, you are in some way acknowledging your own genius.). Perhaps they do not, however. I think I tend to assume people who are that brilliant tend to know they are though it is not always the case.

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

Ah, you see, your description of genius falls more along the lines of "demigod" to me. For me, genius implies talent and virtue of character and not necessarily an appearance of perfection or invincibility, if I'm understanding what you're saying. I'm pretty sure I know who you're talking about (yay Robotics!). I've just happened to notice that most of the people, practically all, whom I consider brilliant don't seem to recognize their own self-worth.

Perhaps I'm a closet egotist? It's been said that happy/optimistic people tend to be more prejudiced and egocentric. Hmmm. I don't happen to consider myself a genius. I do consider myself to be more knowledgeable in certain areas, mostly obscure subjects, than the average person. But that's not what I consider genius, not by far.

We ought to talk. Damn APs...

[(Anonymous)]

We ought to talk. It's sad that we've resorted to comunicating through comments. We should actually have this discussion. Let's have a sleep-over after APs. Nothing is more condusive to talking than sugar + late nights. Heh heh.

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

Bwahahaha! We can raid Safeway again!

Err, that was a yes. I'll call you later. How's Saturday for you?