Genius: Gift or Curse?: Biological Origins, Key Modifiers, Burdens, and Legacies

"Genius": Gift or Curse? This is an in depth study of Extraordinary Cognitive Ability, ECA, focusing on its biological origins and the subsequent clinical manifestations importantly influenced by key environmental modifiers, crucial to the direction of the accelerated cognition. A historical review of the various theories of origin of Genius is the lead off discussion. A detailed basic science review of cognition includes a theory of genetic origin, Emergenesis, which is likely the core determinant of ECA, in addition to physiological, anatomical and chemical data now believed to be responsible for heightened thinking in man. The study points out that ECA and Genius are not equivalent terms, with the former occurring from a basic neuro-biological origin and the latter reflective of the later clinical outcome with behavioral criteria fulfilling the modern definition of Genius. Several biographies are included that demonstrate important commonality features between these gifted individuals with a variety of outcomes from multiple genres, including one with a destructive focus. Individual burdens that are common with this cognitive advantage are clear with these biographical reviews. The book stresses the potential importance of early recognition of this unique human facility in order to positively influence the outcome away from destructive directions. In addition, early supportive therapy's may be instituted which could prevent potential significant psychiatric illnesses, which may well occur with this advantaged cognitive ability without a clear focus or direction. However, it is clear that this facility of ECA has been a tremendous gift for society in general. Over the ages this phenomenon has and continues to be responsible for significant contributions of both our understanding of the world around us; as well as providing key directions that have so greatly enhanced our standard of living that we all enjoy on a daily basis.

The author is a Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington and has practiced Neurology at the Mason Clinic in Seattle Washington for 35 years. His major areas of interest in the neurosciences are cognitive science, multiple sclerosis, and the neurology of vision. He has also had a personal interest in history and biography, focusing on creative individuals who have left lasting legacies for future generations. He has combined these interest in this book; which is an in depth study of the biological origins of heightened cognitive ability, and the important environmental modifiers influencing direction and focus of the accelerated cognition. The outcomes may not always be positive for society and may involve either a destructive focus or perhaps even of more frequent and practical concern; the appearance of significant psychiatric illnesses in those individuals with this facility that never focus or direct their energies in any direction. He raises the potential individual and societal advantage of early recognition of the heightened cognition with subsequent successful guidance of the key influential modifiers in the environment. MacLean continues to live in Washington State and now resides both on Mercer Island and Anacortes.