Is "genius" some kind of IQ score that is measured abstractly? Can one be a "genius" behind bars or homeless? Or is "genius" measured by actions, as in inventing something like a filesystem? If the latter, does one piercing insight net you the genius title for life, or must one keep it up?
I can see how one definition of the word "genius" might be the realization of creative and intellectual potential, and one could consider this type of genius a temporary title that must be "renewed" through ongoing and active creation and intellectual activity.
This particular definition seems to be in harmony with widespread HN values, namely that it is not enough to have ideas, one must also manifest them to earn full admiration. In which case, Mt. Reiser might well be a former genius for the purposes of ongoing realization of creative and intellectual potential.
Exactly. A functional description of genius, i.e. one that is applied to subjects meeting certain criteria, is the only description that makes sense. Let's not forget that genius does not describe a particular brain configuration, but rather a specific perception/archetype that exists in some cultures.
IQ isn't static, so it's quite possible for someone's IQ to dip out of the "genius" range. Interpreting Reiser's increasingly bizarre behavior as signs of internal dysfunction, it's quite possible he would no longer test as a genius. Certainly, turning down a 3-year plea offer and insisting on acting as his own counsel would be indications to this layman of sub-genius performance.
Since we're talking about a headline instead of a clinical diagnosis however, I'd suggest the author was using that phrasing as a more concise way of communicating "formerly known as a software genius, then famous as a convicted murderer, and now working on a shtick as a mad scientist."
Reiser's behaviour has always been bizarre by "normal" standards. It's only recently that it first tipped over (murder) and then was put under pressure and showcased to the world (investigation and trial), but there is little indication that he would he behaved more "normal" if a similar situation happened earlier in his life.
To me, genius is more a particular point in time where someone has the intelligence, aptitude, drive, and time to put something together of staggering importance. Any of those qualities could recede just as quickly as they were brought on. I suppose if one is a considered a "genius" during these times, they could be called a "former genius" after them. Though once you're recognized it seems polite to forever hold the title, kinda like President or something.
When you really wasn't one in the first place, I guess it's pretty easy. Regular media prefixes any computer dude that ends up in their pages with the word, it's not like it means anything in the context.
raganwald|15 years ago
Is "genius" some kind of IQ score that is measured abstractly? Can one be a "genius" behind bars or homeless? Or is "genius" measured by actions, as in inventing something like a filesystem? If the latter, does one piercing insight net you the genius title for life, or must one keep it up?
I can see how one definition of the word "genius" might be the realization of creative and intellectual potential, and one could consider this type of genius a temporary title that must be "renewed" through ongoing and active creation and intellectual activity.
This particular definition seems to be in harmony with widespread HN values, namely that it is not enough to have ideas, one must also manifest them to earn full admiration. In which case, Mt. Reiser might well be a former genius for the purposes of ongoing realization of creative and intellectual potential.
icandoitbetter|15 years ago
tygorius|15 years ago
Since we're talking about a headline instead of a clinical diagnosis however, I'd suggest the author was using that phrasing as a more concise way of communicating "formerly known as a software genius, then famous as a convicted murderer, and now working on a shtick as a mad scientist."
jarek|15 years ago
Reiser's behaviour has always been bizarre by "normal" standards. It's only recently that it first tipped over (murder) and then was put under pressure and showcased to the world (investigation and trial), but there is little indication that he would he behaved more "normal" if a similar situation happened earlier in his life.
marcusbooster|15 years ago
joebananas|15 years ago
icandoitbetter|15 years ago
icandoitbetter|15 years ago
jhrobert|15 years ago
genius you are, genius you stay, the dash doesn't wash up.