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Super-Genius, Hard Work, and Science
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Ziya's been discussing some of the celebrated "super-genius" types who are regarded as thinking about deep problems about the universe on behalf of the rest of us. Yes, we should celebrate these people, and I'm very pleased to see Ziya's posts highlighting that sort of work, but I'm a bit worried about what is a quite common way of viewing some of this type of work, both historically and in a contemporary sense... Here's what started out as a comment on her post, but grew into a longer thought:
Let's be careful about thinking of these people as somehow all super-special and different from the rest of society. Lots of people can contribute to doing great science. Most of the body of human knowledge comes not from people who fit into the Hollywood-fueled super-genius stereotype, but from dedicated hard-working people who have a passion about their subject. People who are just like everybody else, getting on with their job (that happens to be science).
I emphasize this only because I think that the savant imagery is yet another barrier that our society puts up to alienate scientists and make them (and what they do) part of the "other", as opposed to embracing them (and what they do) as part of mainstream society. This is part of the reason so many in this society are poorly scientifically educated, why they leave important scientific decisions that affect their lives entirely to others, and why so many people from the larger society do not opt to become scientists - they don't see themselves as the "super-genius" type, and so it never occurs to them to make a go at becoming a scientist.
So while we should admire the many individuals that have done great work, let us not distance ourselves from them in doing so. They are us.
The other point I wanted to make, regarding women in science and where they fit in the "super-genius" stereotype is in the comment stream to Ziya's post, here.
Overall though - Thanks Ziya, for focusing on the scientists!
-cvj
Tags: genius
5 Comments
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May 10, 2008 12:12 AM
Ziya
Heya cvj! That last post was more about obsessed mad scientists to be honest. But! I do agree with you. Brilliance, breakthroughs and insight can come to anyone with a sense of passion & focus. As Calvin Coolidge said:
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
May 10, 2008 7:11 PM
cvj
Ziya wrote:
"That last post was more about obsessed mad scientists to be honest."
Unfortunately that model of the scientist gets the most press. Hence my comments.
Your full response above is quite excellent! Thanks.
Best,
-cvj
May 13, 2008 8:42 PM
Ben
I couldn't agree with you both more, but, cvj, if everyone filled a scientific role that might leave the society one sided. I like to refer to an overused economic term "comparative advantage" when I am frustrated by the people who neglect the cornucopia of fruits scientists provide to society on a daily basis. I just hope the non-scientists are determined and persistent enough to provide something to society that I, and others, can benefit from.
May 13, 2008 10:17 PM
cvj
Hi Ben,
Thanks. Nowhere did I say that everyone *should* be a scientist. I'm simply saying that far more people *could* contribute to science than the usual stereotypes suggest. More opportunity for all means just that - opportunity... not compulsion.
Cheers!
-cvj
May 13, 2008 11:09 PM
Ben
Agreed. It will be the day when science, and mathematics, get the respect they both deserve, and I can only hope that schools can foster appreciation of these subjects as opposed to steering young citizens away from these fields. Your opportunity you speak of could lead to more dedication to R&D that is so vital to moving forward!
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