The Early Years

Abstract

There is a significant debate over whether genius is innate or nurtured. While it is impossible to determine how our genetic stock might influence the paths we take, we often see genius emerge in consistent ways at young ages. Each of the great minds covered in this series demonstrated flashes, streaks, or consistent and precocious brilliance in their youth. Kenneth J. Arrow, a groundbreaker in finance and almost every other area of the decision sciences, is no exception.