ReThinking: The myth of genius with Helen Lewis

In this episode of the "Rethinking" podcast, Adam Grant interviews journalist Helen Lewis, author of "The Genius Myth," about society's obsession with the concept of genius. They discuss how attributing the label of "genius" to individuals can be problematic, leading to unrealistic expectations, inflated egos, and the potential for exploitation. Lewis argues that it's healthier to focus on "acts of genius" rather than labeling people as geniuses, emphasizing the importance of context, collaboration, and luck in extraordinary achievements. The conversation explores the historical and cultural factors that have contributed to the myth of genius, including capitalism and mass media, and delves into the challenges faced by child prodigies and the wives of famous geniuses. They also touch on the importance of humility, creativity, and maintaining a "green growing edge" throughout one's career.