Article January 23, 1960 Issue

WHAT IS TRUE GENIUS?

HARRY E. DE LASAUX

We usually think of a genius as one who creates or accomplishes things of superb value with easy excellence. One has but to recall such names as Michelangelo, Shakespeare, George Washington, Mozart, Einstein. History has designated these men, among many others, as famous because of their outstanding accomplishments. Compared to the average standard of performance, a genius stands out as perhaps one among a million. And yet, need this be so?

Is it true that the human race is so limited in the quality of excellence that but a very few men and women are so endowed? Is all the rest of mankind restricted to mediocrity?

Mary Baker Eddy has written helpfully concerning "genius." On page 365 of "Miscellaneous Writings," in speaking of Christian Science, she says, "Its genius is right thinking and right acting, physical and moral harmony; and the secret of its success lies in supplying the universal need of better health and better men."

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