Difference Between Genius and Prodigy

Genius vs Prodigy
 

Age factor is one of the differences between genius and prodigy that everyone identifies immediately but there are other differences too between a genius and a prodigy. When referring to people with high intelligence, we tend to use a wide range of words such as genius, prodigy, gifted, savant, etc. However do all of these words mean the same thing, or else is there a difference? Through this article, we will be paying attention to two such words genius and prodigy. A genius is someone who has exceptional abilities in terms of creativity and intellectual capacities and even out of the box thinking. A genius is a very intelligent person but breaks away from the traditional ways of thinking. On the other hand, a prodigy is someone who masters a discipline at a very young age. This is the key difference between a genius and prodigy. This article attempts to highlight the difference between these two words while providing an overall picture of each word.

Who is a Genius?

When it comes to the word genius, as mentioned above in the introduction, a genius is someone who is extremely intelligent surpassing others in his intellectual and creative capacities. However, unlike a prodigy, a genius does not necessarily have to be a child. A genius can be considered as a creator of new knowledge because he breaks away from the prevailing system of thought. This is why a genius is often associated with originality.

For example, Albert Einstein can be considered as a genius. This is because he was able to create new knowledge and change the course of science.

This is why a genius is not merely an intelligent person; a true genius is so much more because of his exceptional faculties. Francis Galton, who is also considered as the founder of psychometry, was especially interested in studying human intelligence. Also, in fields such as psychology and philosophy, the idea of a genius has been an area of special interest.

Who is a Prodigy?

A prodigy is someone who displays exceptional skills in a particular field as a child. This talent that the individual possesses is natural but miraculous when considering the age. A prodigy is usually a child or below the age of 18. A prodigy usually displays the mastery of an adult in a specific field.

For example let us take Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who can be considered as a musical prodigy who started composing his work at the age of 5.

However, this term is not just limited to music or composing. One can be a prodigy in mathematics, chess, dancing, art, etc. Some researchers state that it is the innate abilities that lead an individual to be a prodigy, while others believe it is the environmental factors. This highlights that the terms genius and prodigy are not identical but are two different things.

What is the difference between Genius and Prodigy?

• Definition of Genius and Prodigy:

• A genius is someone who has exceptional abilities in terms of creativity and intellectual capacities and even out of the box thinking.

• A prodigy is someone who masters a discipline at a very young age. He displays the mastery of an adult in a specific field

• Age:

• A genius is not confined to an age limitation.

• A prodigy refers particularly to a child or a person below the age of 18.

• Originality:

• A genius is very much original.

• A prodigy has the exceptional talent of an adult in terms of performance and creativity, but may not be original.

• Abilities:

• A genius creates new knowledge and think out of the box. The exceptional abilities he or she possesses are innate.

• A prodigy may not create new knowledge or think out of the box. Also, the abilities can be innate or may be developed due to the environmental factors.

 

Images Courtesy: Albert Einstein and child Mozart via Wikicommons (Public Domain)