Divine fury [electronic book] : a history of genius / Darrin M. McMahon.

Divine fury [electronic book] : a history of genius / Darrin M. McMahon.

9780465069910 electronic book
9780465003259 hard cover

New York : Basic Books, [2013]

©2013

English

1 online resource (361 pages)

BF416.A1 M35 2013eb

153.9/809

"Genius. The word connotes an almost unworldly power: the power to create, to grasp universal secrets, even to destroy. As renowned intellectual historian Darrin McMahon explains in Divine Fury, the concept of genius can be traced back to antiquity, when men of great insight were thought to be advised by demons. The modern idea of genius emerged in tension with a growing belief in human equality; contesting the notion that all are created equal, geniuses served to dramatize the exception of extraordinary individuals not governed by ordinary laws. Today, the idea of genius has become cheapened-rock stars and football coaches earn the term with seemingly the same ease as astrophysicists and philosophers-yet our enduring fascination with it reflects the desires, needs, and fears of ordinary human beings. The first comprehensive history of this mysterious yet foundational concept, Divine Fury follows the fortunes of genius from Socrates to Napoleon to Einstein and beyond, analyzing its democratization, disappearance, and potential rebirth."-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Access limited to authorized users.

Description based on print version record.

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