“God created the world, but it should have immortalised the genius.”

That concluded a conversation with my parents about Oscar Niemeyer (1907-2012), the Brazilian architect who, while in the hospital in May 2012, expressed his desire to go home and continue working on his projects.

It’s hard not to feel proud of someone like him. Niemeyer, who lived to be 104 years old, was a renowned architect with over 80 works spread across the globe. He serves as an inspiring example to follow, and it made me wonder what the world would be like if all geniuses were immortal.

Genius: noun – a person with extraordinary intellectual and creative power. One who has such a talent or inclination: a genius at diplomacy.

I wondered what would happen if all these geniuses were gathered together for a debate. Let’s bring them all together, shall we? Among the brilliant guests, I would like to present:

The physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), the painter Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), the artist Michelangelo (1475-1564), the musician Mozart (1756-1791), the father of analytical psychology Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961), the ex-football player Pelé (1940 – 2022), the singer Michael Jackson (1958-2009), the genius of diplomacy Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), the chemist Albert Hofmann (1906-2008) and the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1927-2014).

After everyone was seated in their places, I started the debate.

Dear geniuses, I have a question for you, and your answer will depend on your own genius. The room was quiet, so I carried on.

I would like to know what advice you have for us humans, but not geniuses (yet).

The geniuses initially laughed at my question, but there is no such thing as a stupid question. After the laughter, Albert Einstein led the debate.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge”, the physicist said.

Pablo Picasso had a different opinion. “I am always doing that which I can not do, so that I may learn how to do it. I do not seek. I find. Art is a lie that enables us to realise the truth.”

Pelé agreed with him: “That is what I told Ronaldinho: Never say you are the best. Let the others say it.”

Mozart thought his answer was good but added: “Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul genius.” 

Michael Jackson agreed and said, “My advice will be, please, go for your dreams. Whatever your ideals, you can become whatever you want to become.”

Mahatma Gandhi wondered: “Joy lies in the fight, in the attempt, in the suffering involved, not in the victory itself.”

However, Michael Jackson reflected about his opinion: “Ok, but if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change.”

Carl Jung spoke his thoughts. “Only what is really oneself has the power to heal”, and Gandhi added, “In the great battles of life, the first step to victory is the desire to win.”

Jung smoked his pipe, crossed his legs and said: “Life calls not for perfection, but for completeness.”

Michelangelo was the oldest of the group, and when the guys finally let him speak, he said: “Genius is eternal patience. I saw an angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” 

At that moment, everyone exchanged glances. Albert Hofmann, who had remained silent until then, noticed his friends’ surprise at Michelangelo’s quote and said: “Turn on, tune in, drop out.”

The geniuses didn’t understand what Albert meant, so Gabriel Garcia Marquez decided it was better to conclude the debate: “Everything is a matter to awaken your soul. Life is a continuous succession of opportunities.” 

I was pleased with the debate, and as the brilliant minds began to leave, I lingered in thought. Suddenly, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. To my surprise, it was the playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616). I had forgotten to invite him, but he had come to watch from behind the curtain. He sat next to me, and it felt as if he knew my thoughts, because he said:

“Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”

My advice to you is simple: don’t be afraid; embrace your inner genius.