"Threads of genius and purpose are present in everyone, but only become visible when something creative is attempted." ~ William Blake, English poet (1757 – 1827)

Say the word “genius” and most people think of someone like Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, Wolfie Mozart or Will Shakespeare. But trace the word back to its origins in ancient Rome and we get a much more inclusive picture of what genius means and who possesses it.

The Latin word “genius” referred to the guiding creative spirit that accompanied every individual throughout their life. It guided each person in the expression of their unique voice, talents and gifts. So as mythologist Michael Meade puts it, “The question becomes not whether or not you are a genius, but in what way does genius appear in you and how might it contribute to your own well-being and benefit the world around you.”

I think it’s fair to say that never in the history of humankind have we more needed the...