By Beau Clemmons

       The Modern Genius Society (MGS), also known to others as "The Modern Genius" was developed in 2011. After dreams that I had of belonging to the world of high intelligence, brought on by a Mensan coworker of mine when I was in high school, I strove hard to apply myself in college and university (and autodidactically) to push my intelligence to its limits.

       I initially just wanted to become a Mensan in the late '90s, but after fulfilling that dream years later, I went on to fulfill two other teenage dreams: to become a member of Dr. Grove's "Poetic Genius Society" and to become a member of Dr. Jouve's "The Cerebrals Society," the last of which posed the greatest challenge--and bringing with it the greatest feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

 

       Looking back, I felt amazingly astounded by how far I had come, both academically and autodidactically. I had also become friends with some of my teenage heroes such as Karyn Peters, Greg Grove, Bill Bultas, Xavier Jouve, et al. Now, you must know that I have come from a dark place of self-doubt, bullying, abuse, depression, etc., but by the grace of heaven, I have been given the gifts of intelligence, strength, and endurance. Each time life has knocked me back or down, I have managed to muster up the courage (not merely on my own accord) to keep ongoing.

 

       In 2011, in the footsteps of another man whom I deeply admire, Dr. Evangelos Katsioulis, I decided to create a society that represented years of personal intellectual growth: The Modern g Society. Shortly thereafter, I began to regret the name chosen because of controversy over its pejorative connotations with snobbery, standoffishness, elitism, etc.; nevertheless, The Modern Genius has evolved and has collectively come to represent all of us. We are a body of individuals who have worked hard and continue to do so, intellectually growing and pushing through metaphorical walls with faith, creativity, hope, wisdom, and courage.

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       We are not a society filled with cavalier, soi-disant geniuses who peacock to make others feel bad about themselves; on the contrary, we are a brilliant, industrious collective of intelligently robust people who do not idly waste their brainpower; we believe in helping others, not condemning them; we push to solve difficult problems globally; we use, as a body, our cognitive gifts deftly, essaying to make the world a better place for us all. This is our mission, whether we are together or separate. And as a member, you may publicly count yourself among those of us who are making differences in diverse fields around the world.

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