In his short story 'The Genius' from the book 'Forty Stories', Donald Barthelme takes a cynical look at the concept of genius. In his work, he depicts a "gifted" genius with his own share of weaknesses and vulnerabilities, including drunkenness. During the course of the satyrical account, someone puts forth the proposition that a roster of world geniuses be kept, to be drawn upon during times of world crises, to help to resolve some of the major problems that are plaguing humanity, such as starvation, disease and war.
What have geniuses ever done to improve the quality of our personal lives? Please note the situation in Iran, North Korea, Japan, the United States and the Middle East in general. Who was the genius who invented the atomic bomb? Who invented radiation? Please think of the effects of the Chernobyl disaster.
Barthelme quotes French author and poet, Paul Valéry:
"Every man of genius contains within himself a false man of genius."
2006-07-16 06:56:57 · 9 answers · asked by spanner 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
It is true that radiation was not invented, and "harnessed radiation" might have been a better choice of words. However, is there a fine line between harnessed radiation and unbridled radiation?
2006-07-16 07:32:58 · update #1
I am a genius, certified, branded, the works with an off the chart IQ.
From that perspective I can tell you that there is no "true genius." We are all genius in our own right.
The fresh perspectives of people from all walks of life should be celebrated. Genius can get you in a rut. I try to stay out of that rut by exploring other avenues of education and information. However, I often return to my "rut," philosophy and politics. This is where I am at home, what I enjoy and what I understand best. This is my comfort zone.
So, to answer your question, no.
Genius is so subjective and can be so steeped in tunnel vision that the simplest answers that can come from the simplest of minds would almost certainly be overlooked.
2006-07-16 07:06:32 · answer #1 · answered by fotojunkie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the first answer. But I will point out that sometimes the leaders are way more important than a genius. But, the leader had best listen to the genius for guidance. An example is the letter that Einstein wrote to FDR about a potential atom bomb. Oh, and radiation was not invented. It is a physical thing. The Chernobyl problem was caused by someone who put economics ahead of science. This had nothing to do with a genius. Likewise, 3 mile island.
2006-07-16 07:06:35 · answer #2 · answered by gtoacp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A roster is good to look upon because it to will show the true end on any invention, genius in itself ends in self destruction. It's life is not all for destruction but the continuance of the question does have an end that must surely take with them their self to put an end to the asking, so when you look over the roster look before an occurrence and not so much after so many have lost their lives. the world does not need more ,it needs to lis on to what has already been given.
2006-07-16 07:10:20 · answer #3 · answered by writer05 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So we should just follow out the status quo?
Einstein paved the way for what may end up being perpetual, infinite energy at our disposal. He wasn't Oppenheimer. You're going to blame Einstein for the state's use of science to build the bomb?
We have to develop technology to dig ourselves out from our over-populations and inefficiencies.. and I have faith we will solve many of the problems we face IF we keep a constant gaze at them-- the lack of water, global warming, disease, shelter, education, agriculture, fuel.
We will surely bury ourselves with the methods of destruction if there is no incentive for genius to percolate to the heights they can reach.
If we let Marx, while he was alive, have full control of all our property and actions for a year. 1 year! nearly all our shithead worries would be solved. Instead we have to struggle to farm capital, exploit, bomb, civilize the Aborigines, Indebt, re-possess, threaten, kill, starve. Colonialism continues. Stark oppressive force... Continues.
And yet what Genius do we have to blame for this??
Are we to blame Adam Smith?
That's such a fallacy.. it takes us all to affirm or deny the truth of any method, theory, practice. The salience of genius does not make them the source of OUR woes.
2006-07-16 08:09:12 · answer #4 · answered by -.- 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I understand correct.y what you are implying, that men of genius are sometimes no more intelligent on a practical level, or no less venal than other men, then I would have to agree that there is no point in allowing the (sometimes self-proclaimed) geniuses to run things.
2006-07-16 07:41:34 · answer #5 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-11-02 04:13:41 · answer #6 · answered by hartzell 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Genius is as genius does. A roster would make them targets.
2006-07-16 07:05:51 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Genius means nothing without wisdom and common sense.
2006-07-16 07:08:16 · answer #8 · answered by collegegradthree 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's too long a question. Not enough breadcrumbs to get back to your point.
2006-07-16 06:59:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋