Chapter 1: The Concept of Genius

In today’s world, it seems as though everyone, particularly in the Western countries, claims to possess genius. Depending on how we define the term, this assertion might hold some truth. If we consider a genius to be someone deeply engaged in a specific pursuit where they excel, then nearly every individual who is committed to surviving and thriving could be seen as a genius. This notion certainly democratizes the idea of intelligence.

This interpretation of genius extends beyond humans, encompassing all living beings. Insects, animals, and plants all have their rightful claim to the title. If we take it a step further, the organism that endures the longest could be dubbed the most genius among all. Unfortunately, this means that humans, as well as dinosaurs and dodos, would not qualify.

I once believed that trees were the longest-living organisms, and it’s easy to see why. The Great Basin bristlecone pine, for instance, boasts an impressive age of 5,000 years. However, that is merely a baby in the grand scheme of longevity.

Image from Wikipedia

Pando, a clonal colony of quaking aspen found in Utah, is estimated to be between 900,000 and 1,000,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known living entities.

Image from Wikipedia

Yet, astonishingly, these trees don’t even hold the title for the oldest living things! Can you imagine that?

Another contender for the title of longevity is the Permian Bacteria, which is believed to be around 250 million years old. But what if I told you about an organism that has seemingly never faced death since it emerged approximately four billion years ago? Enter the Immortal Jellyfish. This remarkable creature can evade death at the last moment, effectively hitting reverse when it seems destined for demise. Thus, it takes the crown for being the ultimate genius of all.

That said, this only scratches the surface of what we can scientifically verify. What if humans are actually older than all of these organisms combined? Proving that would certainly be a monumental task, but it's an intriguing thought.

My younger brother, Rob, inadvertently sparked this idea during our playful banter. He never misses a chance to joke about my age. Recently, he claimed I was so old that I must have been a foot soldier for God, and then he went even further, saying I was older than dust. This playful taunt made me ponder: what if we could extract human DNA from dust? I can envision an entire industry dedicated to "dust mining."

In fact, it's such a unique concept that I’m tempted to patent it, just in case someone else decides to take it on. The potential royalties from such a venture could be substantial. If mining dust isn't a stroke of genius, I don't know what is. Perhaps this could even position me as a significant contender for the title of the greatest genius. However, I must admit that the Immortal Jellyfish will be a tough competitor.

On the flip side, some might label my idea as absurd and advise me to pursue a more traditional career. I've contemplated that too, and while they might have a point, I believe this path would be far more enjoyable.

The first video, titled "Pure Genius," delves into the essence of exceptional intelligence, showcasing instances of remarkable ingenuity throughout history.

The second video, also titled "Pure Genius," explores innovative minds and their contributions, inspiring viewers to rethink the concept of genius.

Chapter 2: Rethinking Longevity and Intelligence

In this chapter, we will further examine how longevity relates to the concept of intelligence, questioning our understanding of what it truly means to be a genius.