When did “genius” (as in “just another Jewish genius”) as a term become acceptable to use in the sense of mere “exceptional ability” without regard to accomplishment/influence or after-the-fact eminence? I know it is commonly (mis-)used in this sense, but it seems to me that “unaccomplished genius” should be an oxymoron, and I’m somewhat surprised to see it used in this sense so much in this thread (and on this forum).
I have always considered the term to refer (after the fact) to those individuals who shaped the intellectual course of humanity—e.g., Shakespeare, Newton, Darwin, Einstein—and not just high-IQ individuals who may or may not actually do anything of consequence. It is what Newton and Mozart and Picasso actually did, the effect they had on intellectual history, that justifies our calling them geniuses, not the mere fact that they were exceptionally talented.
What do others think? Perhaps we misuse the word because there is no other single word that is appropriate? Or is there some word I’m not thinking of to describe exceptionally intelligent and creative people (without regard to what they do with their abilities)? “Brilliant” as an adjective, if pronounced emphatically enough, conveys the sense, but it’s not a noun.
When did “genius” (as in “just another Jewish genius”) as a term become acceptable to use in the sense of mere “exceptional ability” without regard to accomplishment/influence or after-the-fact eminence? I know it is commonly (mis-)used in this sense, but it seems to me that “unaccomplished genius” should be an oxymoron, and I’m somewhat surprised to see it used in this sense so much in this thread (and on this forum).
I have always considered the term to refer (after the fact) to those individuals who shaped the intellectual course of humanity—e.g., Shakespeare, Newton, Darwin, Einstein—and not just high-IQ individuals who may or may not actually do anything of consequence. It is what Newton and Mozart and Picasso actually did, the effect they had on intellectual history, that justifies our calling them geniuses, not the mere fact that they were exceptionally talented.
What do others think? Perhaps we misuse the word because there is no other single word that is appropriate? Or is there some word I’m not thinking of to describe exceptionally intelligent and creative people (without regard to what they do with their abilities)? “Brilliant” as an adjective, if pronounced emphatically enough, conveys the sense, but it’s not a noun.