Learn the Philosophy of a Genius
Don't let the word Genius fool you. Geniuses aren't the nerdy guys with spectacles and big books in their hands. Genius is a philosophy much more than an ability. Everyone has a capacity for genius. It is a question of bringing this out than being one. Albert Einstein is the most universally recognized genius. Not so much for his revolutionary work in the field of science than for his philosophical thoughts. In this article, I've tried to use some of his famous thoughts to build the guidelines of thinking like a genius.
Steps
- "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution." - The only difference between a smart and a not-so-smart person is his ability to use his ability of imagination and creativity.
- "If at first the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it." Revolutionary ideas always sound stupid. If people don't laugh at it, then there is something wrong with it! The key is to have many ideas all the time. Once you decide what idea you are going to devote your energies to, stop thinking of more. Never fear folly and rejection. It is usually an indicator that you are on the right path. A genius must be fearless.
- "The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." This is the important lesson that a genius must master. For him to reach the realm of the extraordinary, he must expand his thinking, explore places unexplored and think thoughts that no one else thinks. This isn't as difficult as it looks. A common man thinks from a fixed quota of thoughts throughout his life. Considering the limitations one himself places on his thoughts, to unleash one's intellectual reserves is a conscious decision.
- "A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it." This follows from above. As your level of thinking extends beyond common boundaries, what looked like a barrier before becomes an apparent opportunity. Something that can be utilized or avoided all together.
- "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." Don't be under the delusion that most geniuses are original in their thoughts or work. Most of their ideas were derivatives of something else. Even Shakespeare wasn't completely authentic. Creativity is the mother of genius. Combining two unrelated things in unique ways begets a product which looks brand new. Never reveal the sources of your inspirations. This one tact decides whether you are perceived as a genius or a fool. Remember the story of the apple falling on Newton's head? It isn't true, but its an example of what happens when you disclose all the links."
- "It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." Perseverance is the ultimate ingredient. Your ideas can gain the momentum required to become established as the works of a genius only if you are strong willed in the face of opposition and misfortune.
- "A happy man is too satisfied with the present to dwell too much on the future." A genius doesn't waste time reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. The only thing that we have is a succession of moments: the present. For the genius, work ceases to be 'work,' it is his spirituality. His very purpose. He gives his 100% to the present.
- "Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value." Let your guiding lights be your principles and not the average man's quest for fortune and fame. Work for the joy of it. Do it as your form of service to the world. Do it for your satisfaction. Chances are that you'll have gained everything the average man seeks and much much more.
