How Important is Genius?

What is genius?  Webster's says it is "extraordinary intellectual power, especially as manifested in creative activity."  Genius is rare, which is why it is so celebrated.  As I'm taking a break from the Trenches to go see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art today, I'm thinking a lot about genius.  Alexander McQueen was one, as were Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, Vincent Van Gogh, Aristotle, Edgar Allen Poe, Marie Currie, Agatha Christie, and Mother Teresa.  These were extraordinary people, all of whom left indelible marks on all of our lives and on mankind in general.  Not everyone can effect the extreme change left by these individuals on mankind.  Does that mean only geniuses leave their mark on the world?  Of course not.  Every parent who does their best in raising their children, every teacher who reaches a child and changes their life, every doctor who successfully delivers a healthy baby, or cures someone of disease, every lawyer who obtains an acquittal for an innocent client, and every soldier that does his or her duty make a difference and leave their mark on the world.  They are the silent heroes of our world.  The world celebrates great genius, beauty and wealth.  People who toil to make a difference don't think they're heroes or geniuses.  One of my colleagues, who I (and the United State Military) consider a hero, said the following:

 "Most medals were issued for good cause, but many, many veterans have never been acknowledged for their sacrifice or deeds; ( the inscription on the Iwo Jima memorial relates that uncommon valor was a common virtue)

 

    In many cases, much of what is referred to as heroism is nothing more then self defense and self preservation;

 

    I received a couple of emails in response to the story and the individuals had been in the military and both of them stated that they were only desk jockey's or supply guys and apologized for their status while thanking me for my heroism  - made me feel bad - their contributions were just as important;

 

    I am not a hero - just a guy who did his job and served his country -     like hundred of thousands of other men and women; combat was humbling and taught me among other things -- humility."

We need genius.  Radical change needs genius.  While we praise and celebrate genius, and mourn its loss, let's not forget our everyday heroes.  They are the change we need in the world.