GoKawiilNeuroscientist Josh Turknett debunks common myths about genius in new book
Dr. Josh Turknett, author of 'The Genius and the Impostor: The Neuroscience of Unlocking Human Potential,' outlines five widely believed misconceptions about what it means to be a genius. His central argument is that self-doubt (the 'impostor') and creative brilliance (the 'genius') rely on competing neural processes that cannot operate simultaneously.
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The framing challenges the popular notion that genius is a fixed trait reserved for a select few, suggesting instead it's a mental state accessible to anyone who can quiet self-critical thinking. This has implications for how people approach creativity, learning, and performance in both personal and professional settings.
- Genius and self-doubt use competing neural pathways, according to Turknett
- The book reframes genius as an accessible mental state rather than a fixed trait
- Turknett's insights aim to help readers unlock creative potential by managing impostor syndrome
The Genius and the Impostor by Josh Turknett — This is the very book the article draws its five insights from, where neurologist Dr. Josh Turknett digs into the brain science behind learning and untapped potential. If the idea that your inner impostor and inner genius can't run at the same time hooked you, the full book unpacks how to shift gears.
See The Genius and the Impostor by Josh Turknett on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-06
Published there as: “5 myths about being a genius”
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