The Genius of Women: From Overlooked to Changing the World

More about the book

We tell girls they can be anything, yet 90 percent of Americans believe geniuses are mostly men. Janice Kaplan, a New York Times bestselling journalist, delves into the forces that have rigged this perception while celebrating women geniuses, both past and present, who have triumphed against the odds. Despite a contemporary reevaluation of women's roles, genius is often defined through male achievement, with figures like Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs dominating the conversation. In one survey, Marie Curie was the only female genius mentioned. Kaplan investigates why the extraordinary contributions of women have been overlooked. Blending memoir, narrative, and inspiration, she uncovers surprising insights about women geniuses across various fields, from music to robotics. Through interviews with neuroscientists, psychologists, and contemporary women geniuses, including Nobel Prize winner Frances Arnold and AI expert Fei-Fei Li, she demonstrates that genius involves not just talent, but also recognition and support. Throughout history, women geniuses have produced remarkable work despite facing significant challenges. This compelling book reveals how they overcame obstacles and dismantled barriers, offering inspiration and a roadmap for anyone seeking to pursue their passions.