Zone of Genius

We've all witnessed exceptional individuals performing at astounding levels of brilliance, we call them "geniuses" as they seem to function in a realm beyond the norm. I refer to this state as the "Zone of Genius", where people like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Quincy Jones have revolutionized the music industry. Their influence runs so deep that even when other artists attempt to match their caliber, they fall short. Similarly, athletes like Lionel Messi, Serena and Venus Williams, Tiger Woods, and Michael Jordan have redefined what it means to be an elite athlete.

Beyond these fields, figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Greta Thunberg, and Nelson Mandela have emerged as anomalies in their respective Zeitgeists. They are all individuals who have thrived in their Zone of Genius.

As I've grown and learned over time, I've come to realize that many people struggle with depression, sadness, and brokenness because they're not operating in their zone of genius. This isn't to diminish their hardships, as there are many factors that can contribute to their distress. However, I believe that for many people, there's a "soul depression" at play.

We live in a society where the emphasis is heavily placed on the blue-collar workforce, prioritizing financial gain and survival. People are often forced or coerced into obtaining certifications in fields like medicine, finance, law, and tech. While these are all valuable skills, I see them more as tools for navigating life rather than experiencing it. When we're feeling down, we don't watch a Ted Talk on how to fix a TV; we listen to music or read a book.

Another crucial aspect of the Zone of Genius is the importance of not viewing it through the lens of capitalism. Our zones of genius can take many forms…from the arts to teaching, from comforting others to fighting for those who can't fight for themselves, from having an innate desire of wanting to heal others to creating safe spaces for those at risk. The possibilities are endless. This is what makes humanity a collective effort; we all have our unique strengths, and when we appreciate each other for our talents and work together, we can make life more bearable.

Now, it's easier said than done, especially with the rise of AI and the erasure of humanity and empathy. It's becoming increasingly difficult for people to find and stay in their zones of genius. No amount of smart tech can replace the soul of a human being, as you can't truly connect with a machine. The only reason someone might prefer it over another human is if they're lazy, can't think critically, or have some mental flaw that makes them view the human condition as a weakness.

My advice is for everyone to find their own zone and work within it, working with it. You don't need to figure things out all at once, and I understand that life doesn't always make it easy to avoid survival mode. But you're only stuck in the jungle for as long as you allow yourself to be.

This isn't an attack on technological innovators; if that's your zone, then go for it. Just don't let it be the reason you replace your humanity with greed.

Until next time, Didi Khan.