ClassX Video Lessons Genius Is Not about Excelling at Something—It’s about Doing Things Differently | Eric Weinstein
In our society, “excellence” and “consensus” are often seen as positive traits that people aim to achieve. Most individuals want to be part of the consensus and strive for excellence in their actions and results. However, pursuing excellence can sometimes come with a hidden cost that we might not always consider.
Excellence is primarily about maintaining high standards. For example, when you attend a classical music concert, you expect a flawless performance that lets you appreciate the music’s interpretation. However, focusing too much on quality control can hinder creativity and risk-taking, especially in genres like jazz. In jazz, if musicians don’t improvise, the music can become predictable and dull, unlike the lively and unexpected performances of the bebop era.
A great example of this is Miles Davis’ famous album “Kind of Blue.” The album’s sheet music had very few written notes, relying on the musicians’ collective creativity. The minor imperfections in the recordings add to its excitement and charm, showing that spontaneity can be more valuable than strict adherence to excellence.
Reaching excellence often requires a lot of time and effort, commonly known as the “10,000 hours” rule. While we have ways to teach excellence, it’s important to realize that not everyone fits this model. Some people thrive in different environments, often showing a wide range of abilities and thought processes.
Many students diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD are part of a largely underserved group. These individuals might not fit the traditional model of excellence, but they have the potential to be innovators and creators. Instead of being supported, they often face educational systems that don’t cater to their unique learning styles. This mismatch leads to them being seen as “learning disabled,” even though many are highly intellectual and accomplished.
The term “learning disabilities” can be misleading. Many people in this category aren’t truly disabled in their learning abilities; they just don’t fit conventional educational expectations. The current educational system often tries to make these students resemble their more traditionally successful peers, which can be harmful.
While excellence is important, it’s crucial to appreciate the value of genius and innovation. Genius often involves taking risks and exploring ideas that might initially seem impractical. As Jim Watson pointed out, those who undertake significant endeavors are often not formally qualified to do so, highlighting the gap between traditional qualifications and groundbreaking achievements.
The prevailing culture of excellence and credentialism can overshadow the contributions of those who operate outside these norms. Society is not evenly distributed; instead, it is shaped by power laws that require a diverse range of talents and perspectives. To progress as a society, we must embrace and support the unique contributions of individuals who may not fit the traditional mold of excellence.
In conclusion, while striving for excellence is admirable, it’s essential to remain open to the potential of genius and innovation. By recognizing and valuing different ways of thinking and creating, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic society that benefits from the diverse talents of all its members.
Engage in a structured debate with your peers on the topic of excellence versus innovation. Divide into two groups, with one advocating for the importance of maintaining high standards and the other emphasizing the need for creativity and risk-taking. Use examples from the article, such as Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue,” to support your arguments. This activity will help you critically analyze the trade-offs between these two concepts.
Conduct a case study analysis on the “10,000 hours” rule mentioned in the article. Research individuals who have achieved excellence through this method and those who have succeeded through unconventional paths. Present your findings in a group discussion, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each approach. This will deepen your understanding of the paths to excellence and innovation.
Participate in a creative workshop where you are encouraged to produce work with intentional imperfections. Whether it’s writing, art, or music, focus on the process rather than the final product. Reflect on how this approach affects your creativity and willingness to take risks. This activity will help you appreciate the value of spontaneity and imperfection in innovation.
Conduct a research project on how individuals with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or ADHD, have contributed to innovation. Explore how their unique perspectives have led to breakthroughs in various fields. Present your findings in a class presentation, discussing how educational systems can better support diverse learning styles. This will enhance your understanding of the potential within underserved populations.
Write a reflection essay on how society can rethink the concept of excellence to include diverse talents and perspectives. Use insights from the article to discuss how embracing genius and innovation can lead to a more inclusive society. Share your essay with your peers for feedback and engage in a discussion about the implications of your ideas. This activity will encourage you to critically evaluate societal norms and propose inclusive solutions.
Excellence – The quality of being outstanding or extremely good, often achieved through dedication and practice. – The music department strives for excellence by encouraging students to critically analyze and perfect their performances.
Innovation – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products that enhance understanding or performance. – The professor’s innovation in teaching music theory helped students appreciate complex compositions more deeply.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness. – Creativity in composing music allows students to express their unique perspectives and emotions.
Music – An art form and cultural activity whose medium is sound, often used to convey emotions and ideas. – Studying music at the university level involves critical thinking to understand its theoretical and historical contexts.
Improvisation – The act of creating music spontaneously without preparation, often requiring quick thinking and adaptability. – Jazz students are encouraged to practice improvisation to develop their ability to think critically and react in real-time.
Students – Individuals engaged in learning, especially at a college or university, who are developing their skills and knowledge. – University students in the music program are taught to apply critical thinking to analyze and interpret musical works.
Learning – The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching. – Learning to play an instrument involves both technical skill and critical thinking to interpret musical scores.
Genius – Exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability, often recognized in fields like music and art. – The composer’s genius was evident in his ability to blend complex harmonies with innovative rhythms.
Perspectives – A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. – Analyzing music from different cultural perspectives can enhance students’ critical thinking and appreciation of diversity.
Talents – Natural aptitude or skill, especially in artistic fields like music. – The university nurtures students’ musical talents by providing opportunities for performance and critical feedback.
