8 Real-Life Stories of Genius Minds and Their Struggle for Happiness
Did you know that some of the most brilliant minds in history have struggled with loneliness and misery? That’s right, even the genius Albert Einstein said, “It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.”
Emotional Intelligence and its Absence — Isaac Newton
It might seem counterintuitive, but a high IQ doesn’t necessarily mean high emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and the emotions of others.
Sir Isaac Newton, one of the most influential scientists in history, was known for his groundbreaking discoveries in physics and mathematics. However, he was also known to have poor social skills, difficulty forming deep relationships, and a tendency to hold grudges.
These shortcomings in emotional intelligence left Newton isolated and unhappy, even though he achieved immense success in his professional life.
The Burden of Great Expectations — Vincent van Gogh
With great intelligence comes great expectations, both from oneself and from others. When you’re a genius, people expect you to be successful, to solve complex problems, and to make groundbreaking discoveries.
Vincent van Gogh, the famous Dutch painter, is a prime example of someone who faced great expectations but struggled to meet them during his lifetime. Although he produced over 2,000 artworks, van Gogh only sold one painting before his death.
The pressure to succeed, coupled with his mental health struggles, contributed to his emotional turmoil and ultimate suicide at the age of 37.
Overthinking and Anxiety — Charles Darwin
Highly intelligent people often have a natural inclination to think deeply and analyze the world around them. While this can be an incredible gift, it can also be a double-edged sword.
Overthinking can lead to anxiety, indecisiveness, and even paralysis in the face of important decisions…
