Main content

Inspiration and Genius

Melvyn Bragg examines the true meaning of genius and whether it is born or made. What circumstances are necessary for the great leaps of consciousness that inspire the development of science and art?

Melvyn Bragg explores genius and inspiration. β€œWhen a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him”. So said Jonathon Swift, many people’s choice for a genius himself. But what does that word really mean? Are geniuses born or made? And what are the circumstances necessary for the great leaps of consciousness that inspire the development of science and art? Did Einstein’s brain arrive like that - markedly different from the expected formation - or did it become like that through thought? If genius does not exist, why are we so keen to invent it? Was Mozart programmed or pre-programmed and was Newton or anyone else solely responsible for inventing anything?With Arthur I. Miller, Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, Department of Science & Technology, University College London; Michael Howe, Professor of Psychology, Exeter University; Dr Juliet Mitchell, psychoanalyst and lecturer at Cambridge University.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Thu 15 Jun 2000 21:30

Broadcasts

  • Thu 15 Jun 2000 09:02
  • Thu 15 Jun 2000 21:30

In Our Time podcasts

Download programmes from the huge In Our Time archive.

The In Our Time Listeners' Top 10

If you’re new to In Our Time, this is a good place to start.

Arts and Ideas podcast

Download the best of Radio 3's Free Thinking programme.

Podcast