Brian Burns

Every now and then someone comes along who shows exceptional intellect, creativity and originality. They devote their life to—and revel in—sharing their unprecedented insight with the masses. Society labels them ‘genius’.

Brian Eno, of Roxy Music and Oblique Strategies fame, coined a term to describe: a body of people, an organisation, a cultural movement, etc. that exhibit the very same qualities as an individual genius.

Scenius stands for the intelligence and the intuition of a whole cultural scene. It is the communal form of the concept of the genius.

I thought a lot about this term in and around the time of the Build Conference in Belfast. Every day we’re immersed in a vibrant scene that has the capacity to astound. To amaze. To delight. To be exceptional.

Liz Danzico surmises some of the factors that contribute towards the development of scenius:

• Mutual appreciation
• Rapid exchange of tools and techniques
• Network effects of success
• Local tolerance for the novelties

‘Competitors’ can be friends. When mutual appreciation exists, ideas spread and best practices are adopted across the board. Inspiring intermutual tools are dreamt up and created. The status-quo is challenged.

So be inspired by those around you. Always strive to better yourself. Lend your support to your co-workers and peers. Be open to new ways of doing things. Create a culture that is fun to participate in.

Do all of this and before you know it, scenius will have manifested itself in the very fabric that makes up the environment you work in.

(Via: Bobulate)