Institut Teknologi Bandung

The general lecture was titled "The Geography of Genius", also the title of one of Eric's books. He is also a philosophical journeyman who has traveled to many parts of the world. This event was moderated by Lusia Marliana, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD).

In his book that was titled "The Geography of Genius", Eric tried to learn how a genius was born through the correlation between ideas and geographical aspects. The word 'genius' according to Eric not only referred to the intelligence aspect but also referred to a person that can contribute to human civilization through his creativity.

Genius does not always mean smart; however, a genius is a creative person that can perform an extraordinary leap. Quoting a German philosopher, Eric explained that a talented person can reach a point where other people cannot, while a genius person can reach a point where other people can't even see.

"When we are speaking about genius, we do not only speak about a very smart person or someone who can reach a perfect mark in a test but someone who can contribute to his environment and civilization."

Regarding the factors that shape someone's genius, Eric personally denies that genius is a birth trait. A natural characteristic from genetic or hereditary is only a small part of the whole aspect that creates a genius.

According to him, genius is a trait that keeps growing, not inherited, or created. Eric pointed out Mozart as an example, a genius musician from the pre-industrialized age who is famous because of his works. Mozart's genius is not as simple as a genetic factor, but also because of his supportive environment. He grew up in an era where classical music reached its peak, in Austria where the region is well-known for its musicality.

"Suppose you plant a mango tree, you not only need a high-quality seed and good treatment, but also fertile soil. That's what I tried to convey through this Geography of Genius concept," said Eric.

Genius has an openness toward new experiences and ideas. They are able to connect separated points into one meaning in their own interpretation framework. They also are unconventional persons, who like unexpected things but real in their existence. From here, the concept of the Geography of Genius teaches us that cultural and emotional aspects are not less important than the technical aspect.

Eric explained, "So far I have observed a weird correlation between university and genius. This is because a university tends to shape a person into a compromiser, while a creative genius works opposite that principle. A good university will try to give room for persons that are trying to fight back against this status quo, giving room for them to foster their unusuality."

In the Geography of Genius, Eric sets out three basic values in creativity into their own places which he calls 3D, those are diversity, discernment, and disorder.

Diversity is a collection of various kinds of ideas and characters which are embodied in a certain level of tolerance. While discernment refers to the ability of a place to diverge ideas, both good ideas and bad ideas which have been created by the communities inside it.

The last value is disorder. Even if it seems to have a negative connotation, in reality, disorder is crucial as a learning medium between the disorders that have already been built. From this disorder process then a genius will give birth to new ideas.

Reporter: Hanifa Juliana (District and City Planning, 2020)
Translator: Favian Aldilla R (Civil Engineering, 2019)