The Ones With Vision
January 13, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: Puna 
I am reading a Steve Job's biography and I've learned more about him in the first 50 pages of the book than I learned from brief mentions in the news, most of which was more about the newest Apple gadget than about the man behind the vision.
I'm sure that's how he wanted it. For those who really wanted to know - the ones who follow Job's every move in every waking moment - know that he was adopted and perhaps his feelings of abandonment fed his genius mind and drove him to creativity - and by some accounts almost to the edge of madness.
It is the mark of a genius mind. The ones who seem most eccentric are the ones with the gift - whether that is the gift of intellect - Steve Hawkins, or art - Van Gogh, or the gift of leadership - Abraham Lincoln.
Granted, not every eccentric person can be called a genius and not every genius is eccentric - but it's enough of a trend. And enough of an anecdotal observation to give me permission to make this unsubstantiated but personal statement - I'm a genius!
When one of my kids say, "Mom, you're weird." I can come back with this retort, "That's because I have a genius mind. Don't mess with anything I say because genius are always right - that's what makes them geniuses."
To which they say, "Mom, I told you that you were weird."
It used to bother me, seeing things differently from other people, being "off" in conversation, embarrassing myself and my kids in public. But now - after reading about Steve Jobs, I'm ok in my skin. After all, I'm not running around in barefeet or wearing Harikrishan robes to the office. And as much as I don't want to, I tend to get a shower most days.
Granted I may not have Job's vision or his wealth, but I wear the mantle proudly.
So if you ever feel like you are different from everyone else around you, don't try to fit in. Be the visionary. Be the genius.
Reader Comments (17)
Puna, brilliant image!! I have Job's biography as well....I've read better!! And yes, he had a brilliant mind...and wasn't always kind...and probably burnt more than a few bridges along the way and in the end he was simply another human being with a certain path that just happened to include affecting the entire world. And I believe you are right and I second your sentiment...be the genius...be the visionary. I believe one can be a visionary and be courageous without compromising one's humanity...
Thank you!
just be weird and a genius, and feel free!! That is what Jobs felt too, and as for his bio, a great book, am reading it too, in portions, it is a thick book...
So so touched by the image your words paint.
Beautiful share....thanks.
-Jennifer
I'm immediately reminded of what Jesus said: "A prophet is without honor in his own country." My mom was like that, Puna. We 8 kids often rolled our eyes at her but when we became older and later, after she died, we all knew she was a genius in her own right. The thing is, Mom knew she was different and often became depressed about it. I think David, the Psalmist, was the same. Up and down emotionally. It seems to be the "plight" of the true artist/genius. In that regard, yes, please do wear the mantle proudly! Just be who you are.
Although I haven't read his biography - what most touches me about Steve Jobs is his humanity. As much of a genius as he was - he still had a heart and breathed and succumbed to cancer at too young an age. And here's to 'genius' - in all its mad eccentricity and craziness. Yes - Puna - wear it proudly..and just be you!
Thank you so much! Yes, I feel like there's no shame to my eccentricity now:)
Thanks, Puna, for the good reminder!
vive la difference!!!!! how wonderful you are :)
That's about where I am in his book...your posting is excellent! Keep being YOU!
hahaha! i love this! what a gorgeous image. and i have always, always been classified as weird. when i was young it bothered me, but as i have aged, i have become quite comfortable with the moniker.
here's to the genius of weirdness!
I think many inovators and geniuses don't realise how great there work is. There are many instances of this over the years.
Lovely post and I am pondering if people find me eccentric, perhaps I should hope they do ;-)
Puna, I really enjoyed this post. Always good to know another oddball visionary. And I learned something as I didn't know Steve Jobs was adopted. For me, being adopted did make a difference, that fear that if your parents can leave you, anyone can, so you try so hard. And not fitting in, difficult when I was a child, but now I kind of enjoy that oddity. I like that I see the world differently. It feels like a blessing.
Be happy with the one you are, we all are unique and there is nothing wrong of being different.
I am not familiar with Steve Job's biography, but I am glad that after you read it, you feel okay about yourself.
Once you love yourself, you are able to love somebody else too.
Good to know it's ok to be 'weird' :). Too often we feel like we have to be like the others, do what they want us to do and don't stand out.
I like books that make us think and inspire us.
Finally someone has seen who I really am - a genius!
Thank you, Puna!
It's OK to be different and out of the box. Those who are make things happen!
Oh forgot.... Love your image Puna!