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Mile High Bear's avatar

The Heisenberg comparison is rather interesting. History tends to rhyme in this manner. Many discoveries have purportedly happened seemingly simultaneously, like radio waves and Marconi, for example. Obviously a brilliant mind. Why do such minds so often have equally challenging flaws, social or otherwise. Is it to balance out the merits? Makes one wonder. In any case, an excellent post. Thank you, Hans.

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Dave's avatar

Reminded me of William James Sidis, the poster child for high IQ crashouts.

It really seems like people expect equally high spiritual development from these high IQ sorts which leaves them hanging out to dry when they don't have it.

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Jim Healy's avatar

Hence the brighter they burn the sooner they burn out

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Contarini's avatar

Too bad he didn't have more sympathetic friends and mentors who might have helped him make a big contribution. Great talents is often offset by serious flaws and weaknesses.

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Hans G. Schantz's avatar

The whole situation is very tragic. I have to wonder if he was being pressured for some reason.

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Contarini's avatar

Possibly, but people that brilliant find themselves at a distance from other people who aren’t as smart as they are, and tend to be fragile.

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Hans G. Schantz's avatar

It makes a better story with him being persecuted by mysterious malevolent forces. That's the spin I ran with!

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Michael DiBaggio's avatar

Fascinating stuff. I have never heard of this great intellect until reading this article.

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