For some time now I have been irked to read that so and so footballer "is a genius". I repeatedly hear the word "genius" used when describing modern day footballers,and every time I wince. My dictionary defines the word genius as follows. "a person with exceptional ability in a particular subject or activity". I suppose the likes of Messi,Aguero,Van Persie,and a host of others,could qualify if using that definition,but... I just don't get it. Perhaps I'm a little naive,and old fashioned,but when I think of "geniuses",I don't think footballers,or any other sportsmen/women. I think of Mozart,Beethoven,Mahler,Da Vinci,Michaelangelo, and a whole host of people who have really made a mark in history,influencing,and inspiring countless millions,even billions,with their "genius". I cannot get my head around referring to the likes of Wayne Rooney as a "genius". So,if people insist on calling footballers "geniuses",then perhaps we need a new word to describe the real "geniuses", such as those I have referred to above.
"Footballing genius" more like but not a genius in the true sense of the word. Most of them can barely string two sentences together. Da Vinci has always been a hero of mine. Did you know that a few years back a guy followed his plans for building a parachute (drafted in around 1502) using materials that would only have been available at that time. He then jumped from a plane, high altitude with a backup chute (around 72,000 ft) and the damn thing worked flawlessly. Now that's genius.
I can live with the title "footballing genius",but whenever I've heard the "g" word used it was on it's own.
I didn't know about that parachute jump,Knackered,but between you and I,I've been in love with his "Virgin on the rocks" ever since I first saw her. Unfortunately,she has never returned my affection,but I live in hope.
But it's now likely that E=MC2 is flawed if you believe the results of the Hadron Collider. Light speed travel will happen in the future because of this imo. Read a book about Leonardo recently and he was truly a scatty individual. Scribbled notes everywhere with nothing ordered, just getting it down as it came out of his head. He designed prototypes of the tank, the paraglider and the submarine. To actually make a living he painted - but not much. Was almost certainly homosexual but had to keep that hidden because of the Church and social attitudes. When he joined an artists studio his master looked at one of his works and promptly retired saying he could never match his own student. You're right, Vetch, Virgin On The Rocks rocks! A world class engineer, painter, musician and a deep thinking philosopher. I wonder what he'd make of today's world? Probably the most multi-talented genius that has ever lived imo. Oh and btw, The Da Vinci Code is fun but pure fiction. Loads of inaccuracies and half truths.
Sorry Dill,I can see that you are a tad disappointed,but you did make the shortlist,only losing out to "The Virgin on the Rocks",by a curl.
There was actually a documentary made about rooney where they came to the coclusion he was a genius !! he ticked all the boxes for the geeks and egg heads There is a set definiton in the Dictonary s odont really see the issue here, we dont need to limit the word to people in the academic world only do we? that would make us quite snobish id have thought
You have a point, NJ. Genius defined as " Exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability" so it fits for footballers. But I wonder what Rooney's MENSA score is?
Intelligence is not something that can simply be measured by IQ or by passing exams. Most intellectual genii are limited in other facets of the use of the brain, such as social skills etc. Who can argue that someone who can put paint to canvas like a Picasso is not using a part of the brain that the normal cannot reach, is not a genius. Likewise , the most gifted ballerina in the Bolshoi is able to interpret precise movement through music and timing like no other. A genius mathemetician sees patterns in numbers that no-one else can see. These are all types of supreme intelligence of different areas of the wonderful human brain. Do we really want to discriminate between :- A) A person who's brain that has an ability to see spacial awareness, an a determinism to rise to the top, with foot to ball co-ordination like very few have ever seen ; yet has tendencies for outlandish behaviour and foolish comments that even your average man would not do. B) Vincent Van Goch who's undoubted genius with a brush has put him at the forefront of the art world throughout the history of mankind; yet who's outlandish behaiour and inability to see what was truly in his grasp, caused him to be aliented by all, to self harm and an lead to early self destruction. The only difference is the human brain in the one that views it. The same human in the one who is observing, is unable to produce the very same results, be it in the Sciences, Arts or field of physical endeavor. The very same human brain, which can be hugely impressive in one field of intelligence, yet severely lacking in another. The same human brain that has been at the very forefront of our development as a human species. This same human brain keeps most on an even keel, which allows the world to continue in a normal fashion, where the genii push the very boundaries of this world that we percieve. Genius is close to madness. I for one, will look on at awe at those who can do these things, but sleep soundly at night ..... happy to be a 'jack' of all trades. Sorry to get all serious for a change, but I thought I would share my thoughts.
