As a young adult, I felt pretty smart getting my math degree at a regional college. Then I started working with people who graduated from some very prestigious engineering schools. I had to work very hard to keep up with that group. I did find my niche, though.

What is a genius?

Anonymous wrote:I found this out when I could not solve a Rubik’s cube. How about you?

Almost no one can solve a Rubik's cube. Most people who "solve" it follow a tutorial.

I never thought I was one. I am not sure that thinking you are a genius is an advantage.

Never! I was never a great student and learned later I had a learning disability but that was after graduating from college. Yet somehow I ended up being more successful than most geniuses.

I am a genius, but I am terribly low energy and have battled depression since my teens.
It makes for lots of things swirling in my head and less production than I’d like.

In 10th grade, when I accidentally was shown the estimated IQ of the guy alphabetically in front of me in all my gifted classes. And I received my own 10 point lower estimate.

Guy in question was considered the smartest in our grade, but he was just conventionally good at math. No genius there. Just ordinary PhD material as life later determined.

So based on what he got, I knew. It just ticked me off that he got 10 points more. He was a bit unethical too...so extra annoying!

I never thought I was one.

Never?

Middle age.

I always thought I wasn't living up to my potential, and now realize I overestimated myself.

9th grade Math on. I had perfect grades in everything before that. I cannot do the simplest Math.

When I started taking Algebra classes at college.

My older brother is a genius so I always knew.

As adults though I have to say being a genius really is not a huge advantage.

When I went to a good HS. Everything up to 8th grade was so easy for me. I did okay in HS but I worked hard to just get by.

I found this out when I could not solve a Rubik’s cube. How about you?