5 Lessons from the World’s Most Brilliant Minds
Posted by Christina Krenek on Tue, Jun 05, 2012
What does it mean to be brilliant? Brilliance is expressed in many different ways: dazzling, wonderful, talented, gifted, inspiring. But guess what, you don’t have to be Albert Einstein or graduate from an Ivy League university to be brilliant. Just look at Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year, which includes a variety of individuals like Mashable.com’s founder Pete Cashmore, the successful business legend Warren Buffett, NBA star Jeremy Lin, famous entertainer Chelsea Handler and MIT professor Donald Sadoway. These individuals are very different from each other, but are all brilliant in their own way.
Learn from the experts! Here is what makes these 5 individuals brilliant, and how you can be too:
Pete Cashmore – Be DaringCashmore founded one of the most influential technology and social media blogs to date, Mashable.com. He saw that technology was changing the world and he wanted to be a part it. So in 2005, when he was 19, he created Mashable. An article from Entrepreneur Magazine describes him as “having a quiet sense of urgency wherever he goes.” He saw an opportunity to be involved and he took it. Brilliance! Now Mashable.com is the No. 1 go-to site for all the latest news and opinions in digital technology. So don’t be afraid to be daring. When you see something you want to be a part of and you’re passionate about, don’t hold back.
Warren Buffett – Think AheadBuffett is known as the “legendary investor” and in 2008 he was ranked as the wealthiest man in the world. Now he has gained the title of one of Time’s most influential people. How did he do it? By looking ahead! It all began in 1965 with a simple $10,000 investment. Buffett took investment strategies to brilliant new levels. An article from Investopedia describes him as “choosing stocks solely on the basis of their overall potential as a company.” Instead of just making a ‘good’ investment for capital gains, Buffett looks at obtaining ownership of quality companies. He’s always looking at the big picture and potential for the future.
Jeremy Lin – Follow Your ValuesLin took over the headlines this NBA season. His success was called “Linsanity” because of his unexpected yet outstanding contribution the New York Knicks’ long winning streak. But his success didn’t come overnight – Lin earned his success by working hard and following his values. Attending Harvard University, he received no athletic scholarships and was undrafted upon graduation. After struggling to stay on NBA teams, his brilliance and skill began to shine in February 2012. Playing for the New York Knicks, Lin made miraculous game-saving 3-pointers, averaged 22.5 points a game and played during the NBA All-Star Weekend. He is also one of the few Asian Americans in NBA history. During his hardships he could have given up, but instead he continued to follow his values and passion for the game. An article in Time Magazine says, “I don't care whether you are an Asian-American kid, white, black or Hispanic, Jeremy's story tells you that if you show grit, discipline and integrity, you too can get an opportunity to overcome the odds.”
Chelsea Handler – Be true to yourselfIt may seem surprising that female comedian Chelsea Handler made the list, but she has created her own successful media empire. She’s a talk show host, stand-up comedian, best-selling author, actress and producer. Kathy Griffin describes Handler as “an extremely wealthy trash-talking gal from Jersey, but her authenticity is 100 proof.” The root of Handler’s success is her authentic attitude. She never lost herself when she entered the flashy Hollywood scene. Her bright, fun personality has won the hearts of the people all over the world. To be brilliant, you first have to be true to yourself so others can see you shine.
Donald Sadoway – Be a mentorSadoway is a professor of Materials Chemistry at MIT, an energy engineer and noted expert on batteries and portable energy. His class, Introduction to Solid State Chemistry, is one of the biggest at the university. Sadoway’s teaching style is entertaining and engaging, that must be why his class continues to increase in enrollment every year. At age 62, Sadoway is figuring out how to make portable, long lasting grid-level batteries using molten salt and liquid metal. The special thing about Sadoway is that he cares for his students. He is the only ‘expert’ on his research team, he involves students in all elements of the research process. Quoted in Time Magazine, Sadoway says "In a battery, I strive to maximize electrical potential; when mentoring, I strive to maximize human potential." Being a caring leader and sharing your knowledge is brilliance in itself.
What is your definition of brilliant? Let us know in the comment box below or connect with us on Facebookor Twitter!
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