This post was published on February 5, 2018. I think it is still current since there are many geniuses walking around.
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I was inspired to write this post after pondering a discussion with a brilliant person. I wondered what it would be like to be that smart. One thing led to another, and the list was born.
Top Ten Things Not to Ask a Genius
10 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask them how it feels to be so smart. If you do, at best, you’ll get a laugh. At worst, you’ll be forcibly engaged in a Socratic analysis of what “smart” means. (Getting tired after a couple of hours, are you, Dante?)
9 If you are talking to a genius, do not mention the weather. If you do, at best, they’ll excuse themselves. At worst, you’ll be entertained by a recap of the correlation between black hole proximity and global warming. (You didn’t know that was the subject of the person’s doctoral dissertation, did you, Deon?)
8 If you are talking to a genius, do not make any sudden moves. If you do, at best, you’ll get a flinch. At worst, your genius will have Tiny, the WWF champ, as a best friend. (Tiny moves fast when he thinks there is a danger, Demetri. I think I would begin testing those Rockport shoes and see if they are a flexible as advertised.)
7 If you are talking to a genius, do not comment on their clothes. If you do, at best, they won’t understand what you are saying. At worst, they will provide you with the existential theory behind their choice of what to wear today. (Not only did it take two hours, but you still don’t understand how the stripes and checks relate to the world politic, do you, Dixon?)
6 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask them what they want to eat. If you do, at best, you will get an “anything” response. At worst, you will be taken down a probiotic path from which there is no return. (You’ll never look at a steak the same way again, Dacy.)
5 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask them about their favorite sport. If you do, at best, they’ll defer to asking you. At worst, after an hour,, you finally realize they are talking about a game that was played in ancient Macedonia. (The sad part is their team lost, and you now have a complete commentary on how the other team cheated with a deflated goat bladder and poisoned arrows. Some fun, huh, Daelan?)
4 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask what they watch on television. If you do, at best, you’ll have to define the term “television.” At worst, you will be treated to watching the Nature Blog live feed of baby ants who were cloned from a prehistoric frozen egg hatching as viewed on an iPad. (Really glad you asked that one, aren’t you, Dagan? Wait! Is that an anteater?)
3 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask if they have a hobby. If you do, at best, they’ll be too shy to share. At worst, before you know it, you are hooked up to a worldwide XBox War of the World gaming competition. (So how many lives do you have left, Daileass? I think you better swing that broadsword at everything you see. Given the intensity of this game, I have a feeling that once your lives are finished, you are, too.)
2 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask if they belong to a club. If you do, at best, you’ll get a stare before they walk away. At worst, you will have to defend the idea of having a high affiliation need as it relates to your own insecurities. (Makes you want to go to a cabin in the mountains doesn’t it, Daire? Then you can prove you are not intellectually weak and, as a result, don’t need anyone.)
1 If you are talking to a genius, do not ask what they do for a living. If you do, at best, you’ll get a one-word answer, “work.” At worst, you will have a detailed description of the job but will not understand what it is in a hundred years. (Did you get the opinion that they were speaking in a different language, Dalbert? What the hell is a Spectrographic Survey Specialist anyway?
Fiction Favorites 
Perfect, John. That about covers it all! (so don’t ever try to start a conversation with a genius, eh?)
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I think you have pretty much summed up the lesson. 😁
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I already don’t talk to people to avoid the accidental genius.
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Good plan.
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I like how 8 makes them sound like a woodland creature.
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Ha ha ha
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Let’s just hope the keg doesn’t kick before they shut up.
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😁
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So funny, John. From define television to the deflated goat bladder and poisoned arrows, I’m laughing my head off.
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So glad, Jenny. 😁
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🙂
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I’m with Craig. I generally try to avoid talking to people anyway.
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The best way for sure.
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Oh yes, answers from some people can make me feel like an empty-head.
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Or make your head explode. Thanks, Tim.
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😊
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😊
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I love the bit about the Rockport shoes!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Liz. I love t when someone catches stuff I put in.
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You’re welcome, John! Chortle . . .
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Chortle.
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Honestly? Sometimes a ‘genius’ is someone whose specialty is so narrow no one else could even figure out the vocabulary, let along the point of it all. There’s a reason for the old joke about Ph.D.s — those who pile it higher and deeper.
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I’ve known a few Ph.D.s and was not impressed.
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I smile and nod while my mind silently dozes off.
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The flutter of the eye lashes is a big give away.
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Fortunately, there aren’t too many geniuses around, thereby limiting the number of opportunities for me to find one to talk to!
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I think this is a good thing. 😁
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Unfortunately or not, I’ve never met a genius. But I suspect they all do belong to one club: Mensa!
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Yes, I can imagine they do.
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I would always shy away from anyone who considers themselves a genius…and these reasons are among my reasons.
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I’m with you, Bruce. I guess that’s why I made up the list. 😁
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I like your meme, John. It’s perfect! I’ve met a few folks who belong to Mensa, but I can’t say I was impressed. I have learned, however, that if you ask a genius something, s/he will respond in detail. Soooo, be careful of what you ask. 😊
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Yes. I have found that to be true as well. Thanks, Gwen
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I love this list, John. It’s a tad like my post “How to talk to a tech teacher”–because everyone thinks their brain is a cut above (it isn’t. I have proof).
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I’m sure you do, Jacqui. 😀
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A fun list, John. Of course, genius could be loosely interpreted depending on the person. Many think themselves to be geniuses. 🙂
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So true, Jan. 😄
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This was really funny, John!
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Thank you, Kymber
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These days, the chance of encountering a genius is either ‘Slim’ or next to nothing…with Slim having left town last week. 😊
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😄 Good one, Monika.
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Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
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I did.
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These are hysterical and a good reminder why never to ask a genius😂😉👏👏💓
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Thank you, Cindy. 😊
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Indeed, John! 🩷
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😊
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Thank God I don’t hang with geniuses.
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Me too.
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Good Top Ten, John. If you ask them what they do for work, you’ll most likely have to fake it when they describe a job you’ve never heard of or know what it means.
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Yeah. Like Organic Macrobiotic Quantum Delirium.
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🤣 Right!
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Well-informed write, John! 🌟
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Thank you Michele 😊
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Thank you! The world is made better with diverse personalities – sure is fun to spend time with super smarties! 😊
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😊
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I like the theory even if the results may vary…
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😊
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I have never seen such a passionate blogger like you.
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Thank you.
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You learned a lot…
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I did. Always entertaining to talk to the brilliant.
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As a certified genius, I take umbrage at all the dispiriting comments in this here post.
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Well, you may need to get over it. 😁
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