This Year’s ‘Genius Awards’ Reach Into Unusual Fields: “The 11 women and 14 men selected for their creativity and originality range in age from 33 to 66 and also include a violinmaker, a molecular biologist, a sculptor and a laser physicist. All the winners, known as fellows, receive annual checks for $100,000 for the next five years, no strings attached.” (New York Times )
The article lists all twenty-five recipients and their accomplishments.
Related:
It Isn’t Easy Being a Genius: “Let me begin by making something very clear: I’m not a genius. Tomorrow, 25 people are going to find themselves making similar protestations – at least most of them are – after the MacArthur Foundation announces its latest class of fellows for its so-called genius award. And as someone who once received one of those awards, here’s a little insight into what the new fellows experienced over the last few days and what they’re going to have to deal with.” — Jim Collins (New York Times op-ed; thanks, abby)
Are the Macarthurs controversial at all in any quarters? I mean, for example, has anyone seen any anti-elitist or anti-intellectual backlash anywhere in the media about them, or are the award-winners just celebrated unambivalently?
Addendum: I found this critique of the Macarthur approach. (marginal Revolution)
