Genius and Talent

Genius is a person of extraordinary intellectual power. The word genius is used in two closely
related senses. In the first sense, as popularized by U.S. psychologist Lewis M. Terman, genius refers to
higher intellectual ability as measured by performance on a standardized intelligence test. Terman set
the intelligence quotient for ―potential genius‖ at 140 or over, a level reached by about 1 in 250 of the
general population. Genius here means simply high intellectual ability and refers to potentiality rather
than to attainment. In this sense, the term may be used to characterize ―gifted‖ children who have not
yet had an opportunity to gain eminence by achievement. In the second sense (British scientist Sir
Francis Galton), ―genius‖ is used to designate creative ability of an exceptionally high order as
demonstrated by actual achievement, always provided that such achievement is not merely of transitory
value or the result of accident of birth, as in the case of hereditary rulers.

Genius is distinguished from talent both quantitatively and qualitatively. Talent refers to a native
aptitude for some special kind of work and implies a relatively quick and easy acquisition of a particular
skill. Genius involves originality, creativeness, and the ability to think and work in areas not previously
explored and thus to give the world something of value it would not otherwise possess. Although
geniuses have usually left their unique mark in a particular field, studies of the early development of
these people appear to show that their general intelligence is also exceptionally high. There have been a
variety of attempts to explain the nature and source of genius. One theory holds that genius belongs to
a separate psychobiological species, differing as much from ordinary man in his mental and emotional
processes as man differs from the ape. Another theory looks upon genius as closely related to neurosis
and psychosis.

A). Explain with your own words:

1. closely related to something

2. to be distinguished from smth.

3. intellectual ability

4. intelligence quotient

5. to gain eminence by something

6. to have native aptitude for something

7. a variety of attempts 8. not explored areas