The MacArthur Foundation just announced the newest recipients of its fellowship, commonly called its "Genius Grant."
" The fellowships, based on achievement and potential, come with a stipend of $625,000 over five years and are among the most prestigious prizes for artists, scholars and professionals."
Should private groups like the MacArthur Foundation be investing in "brilliance" with no strings attached, or should their philanthropic efforts focus more specific/tangible priorities? What is the value to a society of investing in genius alone?
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Lego, Cav (the Lego brand name was derived from the Danish expression "leg godt" - play well - and lego also translates in Latin as "I study" or "I put together"...really, one of the world's most perfect words!)
There are arguments to both sides. Investing in these geniouses can help boost their success even further so that they may eventually be able to give back to society. Its like a low risk investment that has potential to make huge returns.
Its private money, they can put it to whatever they see fit. Donations of any sort are always good, even if there is somewhere else the money could be put.
