Searching for genius

Series

Pencil drawing of a pair of eyes.

Drawing for Johann Caspar Lavater’s ‘Essays on Physiognomy’, around 1794. Source: Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).

Exceptional talent and the trouble with IQ tests

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

Genius spirits and the mystery of creative inspiration

Once upon a time, we all had a genius.

The enduring myth of the mad genius

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

Tragic artists and their all-consuming passions

Does having a debilitating disease help or hinder creative genius?

Political brilliance and the power of self-promotion

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

The quest to breed gifted children

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