Why Do People Aim for Genius Status Despite the Risks of Mental Health Issues?

The pursuit of being a genius is often compared to the ambitious goals of becoming filthy rich or president. Indeed, these dreams may not come true as easily as one hopes. However, despite the risks, many individuals are driven to achieve these heights, and often, their path is fraught with challenges.

Dreams and Realities

Many people aspire to be at the top of their field, aiming for exalted positions. Think of historical figures like Donald Trump (DT) and their struggles. While the path to wealth and leadership is fraught with risk, the road to genius is even more perilous. Not only can being a genius entail immense personal and professional challenges, but studies suggest that a higher IQ is linked to a higher risk of mental health issues.

According to various studies, famous artists, actors, filmmakers, musicians, and athletes exhibit higher rates of mental health problems, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others. However, this does not necessarily mean that geniuses suffer more than others. It's important to consider the societal and environmental factors that contribute to mental health issues.

The Link Between Genius and Mental Health

The connection between being a genius and mental health issues is often debated. Some studies suggest a weak correlation between a specific gene, DARP-32, and mental health problems. A DARP-32 variant is associated with schizophrenia and improved performance in tasks involving thinking and information filtering. However, this gene is just one example, and its correlation is not strong enough to establish a definitive link.

Many mental health issues perceived as hereditary might be a result of societal challenges faced by high IQ individuals. High-IQ individuals may face unique societal pressures and misunderstandings, leading to psychological strain. For instance, a genius with an IQ of 160 might struggle in a classroom with students having an IQ of 100, let alone an average IQ of 40, which is in the range of severe and moderate mental retardation.

The Ethics of Education

It's important to consider the ethical implications of forcing individuals of vastly different cognitive abilities to learn together. How would a student with an IQ of 100 feel about being in a classroom with peers having an average IQ of 40 for 12 years? The educational experience and mental health of such individuals could be severely diminished by such an environment.

It might be ethically and psychologically better to provide appropriate educational environments for individuals of different cognitive abilities. Genius-like individuals should not be subjected to poorly designed school systems, as these environments can exacerbate mental health issues. The environments where they grow up and learn are crucial in shaping their well-being and potential.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the pursuit of genius status is a personal journey driven by the desire to excel and utilize one's intelligence to achieve greatness. While the road is fraught with challenges, the intelligence and determination of many successful individuals have led them to the top despite the risks. As society continues to evolve, it's crucial to create supportive environments that nurture the unique talents and mental health of individuals, ensuring that everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.