[msiyer]

The labels 'genius' and 'gifted' look convincing until you read about 'accidental genius' - genius acquired after a serious illness or injury.

'genius' is just a particular configuration out of millions or billions in which a brain can form. Brain's real estate is malleable like a city's. So, no reason why one cannot configure it to one's liking. Now, the procedure to do so might not be as easy.

I also think that there is not much difference between an alcoholic (any addiction for that matter) and a workaholic genius. The reason is that both do not know what drives them.

[solveit]

I note that there are many sensational media stories about accidental genius, and zero accidental geniuses who leveraged their genius to become absurdly rich/famous/powerful. I am therefore very skeptical about whether accidental genius really exists. All this is tangential to your point of course.

[ishjoh]

I would like to read more about accidental genius, are there any scientific papers or books you would recommend?