I like Einstein's take on it - he thought imagination was more important than pure intelligence. I can't find the exact quote now, dammit, but it's running around somewhere.
I think genius is an ability to see a solution to a problem when no one else can. Having the imagination to see the problem in a new light is a necessity.
I think it's funny that everyone puts so much weight on IQ tests, but I've yet to see an imagination test become common. I knew a girl who had a very high IQ, and when it came to memorizing facts and formulas she was an ace. But she lacked imagination, so she really wasn't much fun to be with. She couldn't think of anything new and she was crippled, so to speak, by her lack of creativity. Pure intelligence is a dry, brittle thing. Imagination is what gives it the flexibility to fly. I think Einstein knew what he was talking about. :-)
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2002-04-13 05:04 pm (UTC)I think genius is an ability to see a solution to a problem when no one else can. Having the imagination to see the problem in a new light is a necessity.
I think it's funny that everyone puts so much weight on IQ tests, but I've yet to see an imagination test become common. I knew a girl who had a very high IQ, and when it came to memorizing facts and formulas she was an ace. But she lacked imagination, so she really wasn't much fun to be with. She couldn't think of anything new and she was crippled, so to speak, by her lack of creativity. Pure intelligence is a dry, brittle thing. Imagination is what gives it the flexibility to fly. I think Einstein knew what he was talking about. :-)