On Genius: Why the Word Is Overused and the Real Thing Is Rare

In this episode, I examine the modern notion of genius and argue that the word has been so overused it has nearly lost its meaning. Genius is often mistaken for high intelligence, professional success, or the ability to function smoothly within systems. Just as often, it is treated as a distant historical curiosity, safely removed from the present and stripped of its disruptive force.

I propose a more grounded definition of genius as something genuinely rare. Genius is the externalization of a capacity most people do not possess, either the ability to see what others cannot see or to do what others are unable to do. It is not an affect, a refusal, or a posture, and it is not synonymous with talent, intelligence, or skill, though it may involve aspects of all three.

Drawing from philosophy, art, science, literature, and music, this episode explores real examples of genius throughout history and examines why people so often dislike the genuine article. Genius threatens the ego, violates norms effortlessly, and exposes uncomfortable truths. The episode ends with a quiet warning about what happens when we label competence as genius and mistake safety for brilliance.