Objective

'The Geography of Genius: Lessons from the World's Most Creative Places' is an intellectual odyssey in which author Eric Weiner travels through history and the world, from Athens to Silicon Valley, to show how creative genius flourishes—examining the connection between our surroundings and our most innovative ideas.

Exploring settings like 19th century Vienna, Renaissance Florence, ancient Athens, Song Dynasty Hangzhou, and modern day Silicon Valley to show how urban settings are conducive to ingenuity. With his trademark insightful humor, Weiner walks the same paths as the geniuses who flourished within them to see if the spirit of what inspired the likes of Socrates, Michelangelo, and Leonardo remains. In these places, Weiner asks, “What was in the air, and can we bottle it?”

The Geography of Genius reevaluates the importance of culture in nurturing creativity and “offers a practical map for how we can all become a bit more inventive."

Subjective

I recommend the audiobook version featuring Weiner's captivating, radio-worthy voice.

Contexts

• #geography-of-genius (this is the Root Memo)

• #eric-weiner (See: Eric Weiner)

• #book