The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit―Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness

“An unusually engaging book on the forces that fuel originality across fields.” --Adam GrantLooking at the 14 key traits of genius, from curiosity to creative maladjustment to obsession, Professor Craig Wright, creator of Yale University'’s popular “Genius Course,” explores what we can learn from brilliant minds that have changed the world.

Einstein.

Beethoven.

Picasso.

Jobs.

The word genius evokes these iconic figures, whose cultural contributions have irreversibly shaped society.

Yet Beethoven could not multiply.

Picasso couldn’t pass a 4th grade math test.

And Jobs left high school with a 2.65 GPA.

What does this say about our metrics for measuring success and achievement today? Why do we teach children to behave and play by the rules, when the transformative geniuses of Western culture have done just the opposite? And what is genius, really?