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Does the Lone Genius Ride Again? Chaos, Creatwity, and Conmmunity

Ruth Richards, M.D., Ph.D.

Saybrook Institute, 450 Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94133; phone: 510-284-0770 rrichards{at}igc.apc.org.

Montuori and Purser (1995), in "Decontructing the Lone Genius Myth," and Hale (1995), in "Psychological Characteristics of the Literary Genius," are perhaps closer together than one might think. The first authors do not deconstruct the lone genius, but rather the lone aspect of this genius, with attention to the context for creativity. Hale does not deem context unimportant but emphasizes situations in which the creator might stand more in reaction to than in resonance with parts of that context. Nonetheless, Montuori and Purser's view of context is more expansive and interconnected and stems from an important social critique. The present comment uses chaos theory as both model and metaphor for creative innovation, highlighting the uniqueness of individuals and their contributions and, at the same time, acknowledging the intricate interdependence and sensitivity that can occur within the context for creation. Viewing the "genius" in this framework may, however, require attention to other issues not elaborated upon in these articles, including mood disorders and creativity, thought disorder and normalcy, and a greater acceptance of our own personal divergence and deviancy.

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Vol. 36, No. 2, 44-60 (1996)
DOI: 10.1177/00221678960362007
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