The Trouble with Geniuses - Book Report/Review Example

 The Trouble with Geniuses In our present society, what type of person can be characterized as a “genius”? According to Gladwell (“Outliers”), being a genius is usually associated with the level of IQ a person has. An IQ test usually just measures a person’s analytical intelligence, which is essentially a person’s ability to analyze and comprehend puzzles. The average person has an IQ of about 100. Einstein had an IQ of 150. The IQ test is the most common and socially used level to rank a person’s overall intelligence. Gladwell rebuts this common misconception about overall intelligence. Now, we would think that being a genius is sufficient to lead a successful life. Contrary to popular belief, there are troubles with being geniuses. Does an above average IQ automatically ensure a successful life? There are many smart people who lead average lives because they lack certain skills and know-how to tackle hurdles along their path to success. To be successful, one has to possess skills on top of being analytically intelligent. One has to possess the knowledge of how to create and grab opportunities, talk and socialize and innovate. Gladwell explains the reasons why in a group of individuals of the same intelligence level, some people achieve more than others. Of course, one still has to possess a certain level of genius. Likened to the characteristics of a good basketball player, You need to be at least six foot or six one to play at that level, and, all things being equal, it’s probably better to be six two. But past a certain point, height stops mattering so much. A player who is six foot eight is not automatically better than someone two inches shorter. (Michael Jordan, the greatest player ever, was six six afterall.) A basketball player only has to be tall enough—and the same is true of intelligence. Intelligence has a threshold. (Gladwell 90) Take the example of Christopher Langan. Langan possesses an IQ of 195. It is safe to assume that this person will get ahead in life given this advantage. However, Langan dropped out of college due to financial problems and worked as a bouncer at a bar for most of his adult life (Gladwell 77-132). One would think that a person with that level of intelligence would be able to finish college on multiple scholarships, publish journals or run a firm. Why is it that Langan did not? It can be deduced from the book that the innate level of intelligence a person has is not enough to succeed. Langan could have easily talked his way out of financial problems during college if he had only possessed a set of social skills. Langan was portrayed as an independent character, not quick to socialize with people often skipping classes to study on his own (Gladwell 77-132). Basically, he did not possess another essential kind of intelligence- practical intelligence or The particular skill that allows you to talk you way out of a murder rap, or convince your professor to move you from morning to afternoon section… (Gladwell 115) This type of intelligence is learned and cultivated. It is knowledge of how to manipulate people to see situations from your perspective. It is essential in that it allows a person to assert himself. Another example that Gladwell describes would be the case of Poole versus Florence (Gladwell 98). Both from the same school, Poole was an average student while Florence had one of the highest IQs in the school. Both were asked to take a divergence test wherein one would have to make use of imagination and creativity. The test results showed that Poole had a higher level of creativity than Florence, giving answers like (Brick). To use in smash-and-grab raids. To help hold a house together. To use in a game of Russian roulette if you want to keep fit at the same time… (Blanket). To use on a bed… As a thing to catch people jumping out of burning skyscrapers (Gladwell 98) While Florence elicited answers like (Brick). Building things, throwing. (Blanket). Keeping warm, smothering fire, tying to trees and sleeping in (as a hammock), improvised stretcher. (Gladwell 99) From both these answers, even given the fact that Florence has a higher level of IQ than Poole, we can assume that Poole has a greater ability to jump from one idea to another at a faster pace. This type of intelligence is essential because it fosters uniqueness, creativity and innovation. In order for an individual with average to above average intelligence to lead a successful and meaningful life, he/she must possess a certain amount of practical intelligence and creativity/innovation. A person can be inherently smart, like my friend Maria. She always gets top marks at school but lacks certain social skills and does not participate in extra-curricular activities. She is now stuck as a Research Assistant for a certain professor. Now in comparison is another acquaintance, Evy, who also gets top marks but participates in extra-curricular activities and academic organizations. After college she went on to work for the government in the treasury sector and attends conferences abroad and senate hearings. Even given the fact that maybe Maria is content as a Research Assistant, it is still evident that Evy leads a more fulfilling and notable career than Maria. Both these girls are smart, but the other lacks training and exposure to certain social skills. Like Gladwell’s point on concerted cultivation, Evy was exposed to different types of activities that cultivated her ability in dealing with people and applying herself in the real world. Based from the examples given, these different types of intelligence, analytical, practical, cultivated and creative, are essential to leading successful and meaningful lives- essential to being a true outlier. The trouble with geniuses may lack other essential life skills. They focus too much on their intelligence or lack in motivation to socialize, gain connections or think outside of the box. Furthermore, the real trouble with geniuses, I believe, is that being a genius is inherent. The level of a person’s analytical intelligence is based on genetics. Without the proper upbringing and exposure, a gifted individual may put his/her intelligence to waste. Works cited Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers: A Story of Success. New York: Hachette Book Group Inc. 2008. Print. Read More