How to Cultivate Genius

New book “Sudden Genius?” emphasizes that the major breakthroughs in the arts and sciences look sudden only in retrospect. “(Author Andrew) Robinson agrees with psychologists who have noted that at least 10 years of work in the field seem necessary before grand breakthroughs occur. He also makes the important point that although these heroes of art and science knew their stuff, none of them became overspecialized. The best ideas come from versatility as well as focus. That’s a central conviction for those of us working for broadly based liberal learning, and it’s more important than ever to remember it.”