Genius

Robert Sapolsky

 

 

 How many geniuses have you come across ?

I mean, people who really change your thinking and seem to have an original and insightful take on things ? People who seem to excel in whatever they do ? People who have a vast range of interests and manage to join the dots ?

In a lifetime of 70 years, I guess I met two. I read about others, most of them already dead.

But serendipity introduced me to Robert Sapolsky of the magnificent and prejudicial beard. Not personally, but on YouTube, where his lectures at Stanford appear. (And by the way, the photo was taken by Linda Cicero of Stanford News Services.)

This guy is the real deal. You don't believe me ? Well, maybe believe the MacArthur Fellowship, who gave him their Genius Award way back in 1987. And he has got better since then.

So why is he a genius ?

He is a neuro-biologist. He is a gifted teacher and a vastly experienced researcher. But he is also funny, entertaining, and wonderfully clear. Above all, he exudes the humanity that we really need to hear about.

Check him out if you have time. You won't feel your life shimmer, but it will have changed.