Courses » » FYS Section A09. In Search of Genius

Einstein, commonly considered a genius, has been quoted as saying: “I think and think for months and years, ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.” In this seminar we consider the notion of genius by examining the work of several people who are experts in their fields, and perhaps even geniuses. Whether scientists, mathematicians, artists, writers, humanitarians, etc., they share behaviors that are, or at least could be, common to most of us. These behaviors include a commitment to work, a willingness to explore new ideas, and a drive to improve one’s self and/or the lives of others. In this seminar, we will impose some of the habits on ourselves; for the major project, each student will commit to one activity (of his or her choosing) for the entire semester, as we prepare the way for genius to come to us.