Although genius is difficult to define, one of the qualities of genius is the ability to transcend traditional modes of thought and create new ones.
Explain what you think the above statement means and discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with this definition of genius. In your discussion, be sure to include at least one example of someone who, in your opinion, exemplifies genius or a particular characteristic of genius.
I strongly agree that true genius is the ability to see beyond conventional modes of thinking and to suggest new and better ones. This definition property sets genius apart from lesser instances of critical acumen, inventiveness or creativity. Under this definition, a true genius must successfully challenge the assumptions underlying a current paradigm, and supplant the old paradigm with a new, better, and more fruitful one.
This two-pronged standard for true genius is aptly illustrated by examining the scientific contribution of the century astronomer Copernicus. Prior to Copernicus, our view of the universe was governed by the Ptolemaic paradigm of a geocentric universe, according to which our earth was in a fixed position I at the center of the universe, with other heavenly bodies revolving around it. Copernicus challenged | this paradigm and its key assumptions by introducing a distinction between real motion and motion that s merely apparent. In doing so, he satisfied the first requirement of a true genius.