From: HrgSmes <[log in to unmask]>
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Subject: myths about genius
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 11:48:04 EST
Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com)
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norm
 
i'm doing a review of GOOD WILL HUNTING, focusing on the vicissitudes of
youthful genius. Overviewing myths about intellectual and artistic prodigies,
I want to say something about the recurrent theme of genius discovered in
childhood or adolescence in mean/humble circumstances. As a prime example, I
seem to recall that a Renaissance painter -- at least one -- was discovered as
a child by his future teacher drawing amazing pictures in the dust of his
peasant farmyard. I believe this was Caravaggio. Can anyone confirm or deny
this or otherwise trace the source of the tale to its reality, if such there
be?
 
Many thanks
 
Harvey Roy Greenbeg, MD