When you need a jolt of energy to get through your day, where does it come from? Music? Caffeine? Other people? Somewhere else?
Share why if you wish.
Category: Inspiration
What Is Genius?
The word “genius” gets used often these days. But what exactly is genius, and how can you tell it when you see it?
Either a person or an idea can be referred to as “genius”. Typically for a person, it might refer to someone with a particularly high IQ. This can be measured via an IQ test, and at least in theory, can be quantified.
However, it is also used in other contexts. For example, someone might be called a musical or artistic genius. Is there any possible way this can be measured? Is there some sort of threshold to be labeled as such in a creative field? Or is it entirely subjective?
Listen to a podcast where Michael and Lee discuss a related question: ‘What gives a person value?’ We also discuss a bonus question: ‘What makes you you?’
When the word is used to describe a creative person, is it used for someone with a high level of expertise in a very specific field, or to someone with a broad skill set? That is, which is more of a musical genius: a guitar virtuoso, or someone who can play a dozen different instruments with a relatively high level of skill? Or perhaps both are?
If both, are we in danger of making the definition of the word so broad that it loses meaning? If everyone can be called a genius (in their own way), does the word cease to mean anything?
How do you use the word? Do you use it frequently, or know people who do? Does it simply mean “I think this is really great” or is it more than that?
What is genius?
Related questions: How can we measure intelligence? What is intelligence? How important are important people? How important is the artist to art?
What Impact Do You Think You Have On Other People?
It makes sense that as we go through life, others have an impact on you. It is also true that you have an impact on them as well. How?
It is only natural to think primarily about yourself. You have wants and needs, and meeting them takes up a majority of your time and effort.
However, it is beneficial to think about other people occasionally, as well. You might consider how other people feel, and what they might need or want.
Listen to a podcast where Michael and Lee discuss a related question: ‘What are our responsibilities to others?’ We also discuss a bonus question: ‘Are we too busy?’
One thing that you may not have considered is what effect you might have on the people around you.
It is pretty easy to understand the impact that people around you have on you. A teacher might inspire you. A bad driver can frustrate you. Someone who flirts with you may bring excitement, and so on.
However, what about the reverse? What do your actions, your example, your conversation mean to the people you come into contact with? Do you inspire, frustrate, or flirt?
And as a corollary, might you change the way you interact with people, to try and bring about different reactions?
What impact do you have on other people?
Related questions: How do you think others see you? How do you want to be remembered? What have you done that was inspired by someone else? Have you ever had a mentor? Been a mentor?
What Is The Nature Of Celebrity?
We all know the word celebrity means a person who is famous. But how famous does one need to be in order to become a celebrity? And what does fame even mean?
As an example, let us consider a simple measurement of fame: the number of Twitter followers someone has. 10 followers? Not famous. 10 million followers? Probably famous. But what about in between? Is there a specific number that changes a person from a regular person — even a popular one — to a celebrity?
Listen to a podcast where Michael and Lee discuss the related question: ‘What gives a person value?’ We also discuss a bonus question: ‘What makes you you?’
Of course, you may not think that social media followings are a true test of popularity. But there are many people who may become well-known: actors, politicians, musicians, sports figures, business leaders, etc.
But what, exactly, does that fame mean? If someone is known for being a star basketball player, he or she may be known to millions of people around the world. Does that notoriety come with any responsibility? Oftentimes you will hear someone say that an athlete should “stick to sports” when they offer an opinion outside their sphere of influence. Should they?
A celebrity has a wider reach than a non-celebrity. How much should that wider reach be encouraged and used? Does something said by a famous person mean more than the same thing being said by you or me? Should it?
Ultimately, many people dream of becoming famous some day. It does have some perks, no doubt about it. However, fame often comes with a loss of privacy, and insincere relationships. Would you be willing to trade a normal life for one of fame?
In many respects, our culture venerates celebrity. But what does it even mean?
Related questions: How important are important people? What do you revere? How important is the artist to art? What makes a person interesting? Celebrity or anonymity?
Competition Or Collaboration?
If you want to get the most out of a situation — for yourself, or for a group — is it better to encourage competition or collaboration? Which do you think is more effective?
Share why if you wish.
Competition Or Collaboration?