77. I strongly agree that true genius is the ability to see beyond conventional modes of
thinking and to suggest new and better ones. This definition properly sets genius apart
from lesser instances of critical acumen, inventiveness or creativity. Under this
definition, a true genius must successfully challenge the assumptions underlying a
current paradigm, and supplant the old paradigm with a new, better, and more
fruitful one.
This two-pronged standard for true genius is aptly illustrated by examining the
scientific contribution of the 15th-century astronomer Copernicus. Prior to Copernicus,
our view of the universe was governed by the Ptolemaic paradigm of a geocentric
universe, according to which our earth was in a fixed position at the center of the
universe, with other heavenly bodies revolving around it. Copernicus challenged this
paradigm and its key assumptions by introducing a distinction between real motion and
motion that is merely apparent, in doing so, he satisfied the first requirement of a true
genius.
Had Copernicus managed to show only that the old view and its assumptions were
problematic, we would not consider him a genius today. Copernicus went on, however,
to develop a new paradigm; he claimed that the earth is rotating while hurtling rapidly
through space, and that other heavenly bodies only appear to revolve around the earth.
Moreover, he reasoned that his view about the earths real motion could explain the
apparent motion of the sun, stars and other planets around the earth. It turned out he was
right; and his theories helped facilitate Galileos empirical observations, Keplers laws
of planetary motion, and Newtons gravitational principle.
To sum up, I find the proposed definition of true genius incisive and accurate; and
the example of Copernicus aptly points up the two required elements of true genius
required by the definition.