A genius is defined as one who has exceptional intellectual or creative power or another natural ability.
This week on Full Frame, we introduce you to those who are among the world’s 21st century geniuses. From one of the oldest to one of the youngest, from the man being called “the next Albert Einstein” to a woman who was a child prodigy, they each offer their own unique gift of high intellect.
Nima Arkani-Hamed: Physics beyond Einstein
Nima Arkani-Hamed is considered one of the top minds at the forefront of theoretical physics, and a 21st century genius. Known for being a disruptive force in science over the course of his career, his revolutionary theories about the functioning of the universe openly push boundaries.
Recently, Arkani-Hamed agreed to serve as the inaugural director of a controversial proposal to build the world’s largest particle accelerator in China. The hope is that this powerful machine will find particles that Europe’s Large Hadron Collider cannot, propelling science into a new era of physics research.
Nima Arkani-Hamed joins Mike Walter in our New York studio to talk more about his research, this exciting project and answers questions about understanding the universe.
Yoshiro NakaMats: The greatest inventor in the world
Yoshiro Nakamatsu is one of the world’s most famous inventors. He likes to be called by his nickname, Sir Dr. NakaMats. His admirers call him Japan’s Edison! But he’s even got Thomas Edison beat, running circles around him with at least 3000 patents. Edison, who invented the light bulb and the phonograph, lags far behind. He accumulated 2,332 patents, worldwide, for his inventions.
The 87-year-old human dynamo has also written dozens of books, and he’s repeatedly run for political office in Japan. Perhaps his best-known invention is the floppy disk.
While many of his creations are serious, he’s also come up with some amusing gadgets, like a musical golf putter.
From Tokyo, Dr. NakaMats joined Mike Walter in our Washington, DC studio to discuss what inspires him to create his unique inventions.
Thessalonika Arzu-Embry: Ambitious and smart teen
While most young girls are attending sleepovers and playing video games, Thessalonika Arzu-Embry was busy graduating high school at the age of 11. By 14, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Home schooled by her mother from a young age, Arzu-Embry’s high IQ is only one part of her myriad of talents, she’s also determined, ambitious and curious.
Last year, at the age of 16, Arzu-Embry received her master’s degree and now, at 17, she’s on track to complete a doctorate program this summer.
Along the way she also managed to author five books covering topics from expediting the completion of college, securing justice, to financial investing. She also created a program called JUMP that helps students complete college, as quickly as possible, so they can enter society and do the most good.
Thessalonika Arzu-Embry joins Mike Walter in our New York studio to talk about her unique journey and how she’s accomplished so much in so very little time.
Marilyn vos Savant: Super genius
Marilyn vos Savant is a national American columnist, author, company executive and, by the way, a genius. Tested at ten years old, her record IQ score of 228 was shrouded in secrecy. But, in 1986, word got out and it landed her at the top of the Guinness Book of World Records “Smartest People in the World” list for both child and adult IQ scores. Since then, her “super genius” status has kept her in the news and given her international fame.
While her IQ is more than double that of a “normal” person, she’s much more than a score. Savant has been writing a question-and-answer column called “Ask Marilyn,” for Parade magazine for 30 years. The syndicated Sunday magazine is read by roughly 80 million people in the United States. When she’s not entertaining questions, she’s also a wife, a mother, a grandmother and an avid ballroom dancer.
Marilyn vos Savant joins Mike Walter in our New York studio to talk about her unique life as a super genius.