For centuries we have imagined great geniuses as mythical figures. People with exceptional abilities, overflowing agendas and not a second for contemplation. In recent decades, the culture of hyperactivity has exacerbated this image. Nobody could believe that a person like Bill Gates has time to retire to the countryside to do nothing. And yet, this could be the key to his genius.
It is explained to us by the neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli, who assures that “The primary trait of superintelligent people like Bill Gates or Leonardo da Vinci is not IQ.”. It is something much simpler, basic and essential. And you can replicate it, whatever your intelligence.
We are what we do
Far from what we might imagine, the latest studies in neuroscience indicate that a person’s success does not always depend on their IQ. There are other key factors that decide the course of a person’s life, and one of them is discipline.. The habits that we establish around our routine are key to being able to develop our potential, it is a fact.
But It is not the discipline itself that the neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli has highlighted in his research as the key trait of superintelligent people, but rather taking advantage of loneliness.
Solitude, old friend
In the 21st century we talk about loneliness as a pandemic, and when it is unwanted, its effects are disastrous on physical and mental health. However, Solitude fulfills, like silence, an essential function in our mindwhich the great geniuses of history have known how to take advantage of.
Voluntary isolation, Jebelli points out in his research, activates the default network in our brain.a system that reorganizes information, creates new associations and connects ideas. It is essential for creativity, for problem solving and to better assimilate information. Multiply capabilities. Convert a racing car into a rocket.
This chosen solitude must be, of course, accompanied by the absence of activityquickly. In the era of hyperproductivity, really smart people reserve spaces in their schedule to disconnect from everything and simply let their minds wander. And wandering in a world full of screens has become a revolutionary act.
The wandering geniuses
This tendency to digress, Jebelli points out in his research, is found in some of the great minds in the history of humanity. Especially in the great inventors.
An example of this is one of the great inventors in history, Leonardo da Vinci. It is known that the painter resorted to silence and isolation for hourswhich he dedicated to observing a single detail of his paintings before adding a new brushstroke. His plans and works occupied the space, and his mind wandered in his workshop without anyone being able to interrupt him.
Bill Gates also replicated this behavior during his years at Microsoft. Twice a year, the technological genius retreated to a cabin in the middle of nowhere with no more company than a stack of books.. There he dedicated himself to reflecting, enjoying the silence, thinking and reading. It was, in fact, in one of these retreats nicknamed ThinkWeekwhere Gates came up with one of his most iconic releases: Internet Explorer.
Learn to be alone
Moving away from the field of neuroscience, philosophy gives its own reply regarding loneliness. The philosopher José Carlos Ruiz, whom we interviewed in this medium, explained to us that we live “at a time when we are most connected in the world” but, at the same time, we find ourselves “less related.” Loneliness is fierce when we don’t choose itshared Jorge Freire, another of the philosophers who have given interviews to Bodymente.
The latter added, however, that “solitude is not bad, as long as it does not become isolation.”
This same warning is given to us by the neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli, who points out that It is not necessary to spend a week alone in the countryside to activate these mechanisms brains that stand out among geniuses.
Actually, Total isolation can be harmful and counterproductive. What is really important is to preserve spaces for chosen solitude, for calm. As Shoppenhuaer said, “solitude is the heritage of all superior spirits.” And only those who are able to face the feared beast and feel comfortable in it can develop their true potential. Because it is in those minutes reserved during the day to be silent, without anything occupying our minds, when the magic happens.