David Brooks article “Genius: The modern view” Essay

In the current case study I will review David Brooks article, which name is “Genius: The modern view” published in New York Times magazine on April 30, 2009. As a matter of fact, the author in this article on the fictional example discusses how typical genius might develop in today’s world. According to David Brooks: “If you wanted a picture how a typical genius might develop, you’d take a girl, who possessed a slightly above average verbal activity. It would not have to be a big talent, just enough so that she might gain some sense of distinction. Then you would want her to meet, say, a novelist, who coincidentally shared some similar biographical traits”, as stated in Genius: The modern view.
In my opinion, the main idea of this article is with the help of modern author’s (Daniel Coyle and Geoff Colvin) thesis to prove that hundreds years ago and nowadays people are not born genius – they become them. This statement is confirmed in the article by the following quote: “The brain is phenomenally plastic. We construct ourselves through behavior. As Coyle observes, it is not who you are, it is what you do”, as described in Genius: The modern view. I fully agree with this statement. I strongly believe that everybody can achieve certain goals if he follows two rules: he believes in himself (believes constantly, not temporary or time to time) and if he making significant efforts to achieve his goals. In my opinion, it is the matter of self-improvement, there are no unsolvable issues, but there is a lack of will.
It is essential to note that modern authors consider that there is a universal number, which allows people to be perfect in one way or another craft – 10 000 hours of practice. With hard work, this allows you to create something outstanding, which many people will consider as genius. I like the expression of famous Swedish hair-stylist Vidal Sassoon very much: “The only place where success comes before work – is in the dictionary”.
It should be noted that in the article Mr. Brooks cites the example of Mozart, whose father forced him to play the piano 10 hours a day, from early childhood. As a matter of fact, later Mozart became blind due to the fact that since childhood, his eyes were supposed to read the notes at the light of just one candle. However, Mozart became an outstanding, great musician and acknowledged genius, who forever left his mark in the human history, but it cost him his health and he remained blind for many years and died very poor. Consequently, arises the question: was it worth it? Of course, you can argue that if Mozart had not worked so hard, he never could have created anything like his concerts and would not leave an immortal legacy for all mankind, but he sacrificed himself, and that is why I am convinced that this fact deserves proper respect. However, I would like to say that I am not trying to say that we all should not practice self-development; I am just trying to say that the practice of self-development should be dozed. All in all, every person decides for himself what he wants to achieve in this life, how he wants to do it, and what efforts he can use for it.