The Nature of Mathematical Genius.

In the book, _The Poincare Conjecture:  In Search of the Shape of the Universe_ by Donal O'Shea the author describes the commonly understood notion of mathematical genius.  Here, the romantic notion of mathematical genius is of the solitary genius heroically wrestling understanding from an uncaring cosmos. While this may not apply to many modern mathematical discoveries which were made "upon the shoulders of giants", this "great man" view of history is the traditional perspective.  As is, it applies to Grigori Perelman who was able to prove the Poincare Conjecture.  This is the finest the human species has to offer for this era.