Hugh Pickens writes writes "Ingrid Wickelgren writes in
Scientific American that people have long-equated genius with
intelligence, but it is more aptly characterized by creative
productivity which depends on a combination of genetics,
opportunity and effort. "Nobody can be called out for
outstanding contributions to a field without a lot of hard work,
but progress is faster if you are born with the right skills.
Personality also plays a role. If you are very open to new
experiences and if you have psychopathic traits (yes, as in
those shared by serial killers) such as being aggressive and
emotionally tough, you are more likely to be considered a
genius." True creativity and genius depends on an unfiltered
view of the world, one that is unconstrained by preconceptions
and more open to novelty writes Wickelgren. "In particular, a
less conceptual and more literal way of thinking, one more
typical of people with autism, can open the mind up to seeing
details that most people miss." Our schools devote few resourc