The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit―Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness

Product Description “An unusually engaging book on the forces that fuel originality across fields.” —Adam GrantLooking at the 14 key traits of genius, from curiosity to creative maladjustment to obsession, Professor Craig Wright, creator of Yale University's popular “Genius Course,” explores what we can learn from brilliant minds that have changed the world. Einstein. Beethoven. Picasso. Jobs. The word genius evokes these iconic figures, whose cultural contributions have irreversibly shaped society.Yet Beethoven could not multiply. Picasso couldn’t pass a 4th grade math test. And Jobs left high school with a 2.65 GPA. What does this say about our metrics for measuring success and achievement today? Why do we teach children to behave and play by the rules, when the transformative geniuses of Western culture have done just the opposite? And what is genius, really?Professor Craig Wright, creator of Yale University’s popular “Genius Course,” has devoted more than two decades to exploring these questions and probing the nature of this term, which is deeply embedded in our culture. In The Hidden Habits of Genius, he reveals what we can learn from the lives of those we have dubbed “geniuses,” past and present.Examining the lives of transformative individuals ranging from Charles Darwin and Marie Curie to Leonardo Da Vinci and Andy Warhol to Toni Morrison and Elon Musk, Wright identifies more than a dozen drivers of genius—characteristics and patterns of behavior common to great minds throughout history. He argues that genius is about more than intellect and work ethic—it is far more complex—and that the famed “eureka” moment is a Hollywood fiction. Brilliant insights that change the world are never sudden, but rather, they are the result of unique modes of thinking and lengthy gestation. Most importantly, the habits of mind that produce great thinking and discovery can be actively learned and cultivated, and Wright shows us how.This book won’t make you a genius. But embracing the hidden habits of these transformative individuals will make you more strategic, creative, and successful, and, ultimately, happier. Review “Wright…provides details on the routines of successful people in this informative, anecdote-heavy book about famous people. Each of the fourteen chapters highlights one quality or personality trait the author believes is tied to genius, such as childlike wonder or ‘opposite thinking….’ Wright’s freewheeling profiles of those considered to be geniuses will inspire readers to rethink their natural gifts.” — Publishers Weekly“As a musicologist, Craig Wright has a keen grasp of what it takes to produce a work of genius. He’s written an unusually engaging book on the forces that fuel originality across fields.” — Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of the TED podcast WorkLife"Genius is a skill, which means that genius is a choice. Craig Wright offers us a fine way to understand what's at stake." — Seth Godin, author of This Is Marketing“In business and entrepreneurship, cross-border thinking, contrarian action, and rule-breaking are essential for innovation. These are also qualities that Craig Wright has identified as key drivers of genius, and he shows readers how to harness them in this brilliant book.” — Kevin P. Ryan, founder, Gilt Groupe and Business Insider“Which would you rather be: Effective or genius? Most of us would prefer to be the latter, but believe it is not achievable and settle for the former. But that’s the wrong way of thinking. In this essential book, Craig Wright reveals how genius inhabits each of us by uncovering the hidden habits of geniuses from all walks of life across history.” — Francesca Gino, Harvard Business School professor and author of Rebel Talent“In a book that constantly surprises and delights, Wright argues persuasively that the true measure of genius is its impact on society. Geniuses are norm busters, and every generatio