Stories

Searching for Genius

This six-part story delves into the mystery of genius and our need to revere brilliant individuals. It explores what goes on in the genius mind, and considers how to design a genius.

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Pencil drawing of a pair of eyes.
Drawing for Johann Caspar Lavater’s ‘Essays on Physiognomy’, around 1794. Source: Wellcome Collection.
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Black and white engraving of two women’s differently shaped heads.
Part1
Exceptional talent and the trouble with IQ tests

Is a high IQ really a mark of genius, or does something else explain the exceptional?

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Illustration of three people - two women and one man. The man has wings and is carrying a bowl.
Part2
Genius spirits and the mystery of creative inspiration

Once upon a time, we all had a genius.

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Black and white image showing a man’s head with part of it cut away to reveal the brain inside.
Part3
The enduring myth of the mad genius

There’s a fine line to tread between creativity and psychosis.

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Black and white illustration of a woman with snakes for hair.
Part4
Tragic artists and their all-consuming passions

Does having a debilitating disease help or hinder creative genius?

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A military man in a red cloak sits astride a white horse, which is rearing up.
Part5
Political brilliance and the power of self-promotion

How do you convince people you’re exceptional? Meet the ultimate self-styled genius.

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Black and white illustration of a human foetus at 12 weeks.
Part6
The quest to breed gifted children

If you had the chance, would you choose a genius baby?

About the author

Photograph of Anna Faherty

Anna Faherty

Anna Faherty is a writer and lecturer who collaborates with museums on an eclectic range of exhibition, digital and print projects. She is the author of the ‘Reading Room Companion’ and the editor of ‘States of Mind’, both published by Wellcome Collection.