Roberto Manzocco is an Italian science writer, journalist, and historian of science who specializes in the history and philosophy of biology, technological innovation, and technological forecasting. After graduating with a degree in philosophy in 1999, he joined the Master's Program in Science Communication at the International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste, Italy. He worked as a science journalist, publishing more than 2000 articles over the course of five years. In 2008, Manzocco earned his Ph.D. in the History of Science at the University of Pisa. From 2008 to 2010, he was an Adjunct Professor in Philosophy of Science at the University of Udine. He has published four books, three in the field of so-called pop philosophy, and one on transhumanism.

Examines genius in a marvelous array of historical contexts

Introduces the Darwinian theory of genius

Explores the main theories of the nature and origin of genius

Why do geniuses fascinate us? The genius as a new "hero myth"

Chapter One

Origin and history of the concept of genius. The scientific study of genius. How do we measure genius? Definition of genius. How do we determine who is a genius and who is not ? The concept of "misunderstood genius" and "forgotten genius"

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Nature or culture? What produces genius, genetics, environment, free-will (if it exists), or a mixture of these things? What role does trauma have in the development of a genius? And what about education? Up to what point is genius self-taught? Among other things in this chapter we will introduce the "Darwinian theory of genius," promoted by Dean Keith Simonton

Chapter Four

Genius and talent. How do they differ?

Fifth Chapter

Genius, IQ and intelligence. Why the link between IQ and genius is actually weak

Chapter Six

Genius and creativity. "Normal" creativity and "genius" creativity, difference of degree or qualitative difference?

Chapter Seven

Neurobiology of genius. The myth of Einstein 's brain

Chapter Eight

The "stroke of genius", definition and psychological processes involved. Eureka and insight; inspiration and preparatory work. The cognitive process that leads to brilliant work: heuristics vs algorithms. Genius and serendipity

Chapter Nine

Is there a typical genius personality? Genius and "chameleon" personality. Genius and madness. Does madness help or hinder the work of genius?

Chapter Ten

Lifecycle of the genius. Surviving your own genius. The "swan song" phenomenon (the last great work of genius before the death); genius and the relationship with death. "Precocious" genius and "late bloomers"

Chapter Eleven

Sociability and loneliness, the presence of partners and mentors, teamwork and the concept of being "on the shoulders of giants." Collective genius, historical epochs, zeitgeist and individual genius. Parallel discoveries

Chapter Twelve

What do geniuses think of their genius? Philosophy and genius; philosophy of genius. Is the genius aware of being so?

Chapter Thirteenth

Anders Ericsson and "deliberate practice," or how to become a genius. Genius, performance and the rule of ten thousand hours of practice. The concept of cognitive modifiability. Can you become a genius? The geniuses and us, the "normal people." Genius, deliberate practice and the world of sport

Chapter Fourteenth

The future of genius. Genius and AI. Genius and Genetic Engineering. Is it - or will it be - possible to reproduce genius?