The Advanced Genius Theory - Jason Hartley

The Advanced Genius Theory by Jason Hartley; Scribner; 2010; 252 pgs;

Non-Fiction/Social/Popular Culture-Humor/Music/Miscellaneous

The Advanced Genius Theory is the product of a Pizza Hut conversation between Jason Hartley and Britt Bergman. The theory becomes a roundabout way to praise and appreciate the culturally famous people of our world who may at one point have been rejected by their fans. It basically comes to the point where the artist hasn't "lost" their talent but instead evolved and change their craft in such a way that we just haven't understood what they did yet.

It combines two thoughts, rejecting the preconceived notions about the life of an artist and embracing the "absurdities of geniuses as a means of expanding our thinking about what is good or valuable." At times the overall understanding of the theory seems to be as contradictory as the term falling gracefully. The general pattern is same: early innovation that is not immediately appreciated, a lengthy fertile period leading to widespread acceptance, and a long fallow period that eventually sullies their reputations and angers their admirers. See Elvis Presley, Steve Martin, James Brown, John Lennon and of course Lou Reed, from whom it all began with.

The language reads with witty, strong, enthusiastic statements that makes the reader want to be a part of the hipster crowd chatter, however it may be a little too extended at times especially for 200 plus pages. The blog and numerous articles in Spin and other such magazines seems to clarify the theory justifiably. Yet maybe its fullness is necessary for those to understand and achieve advancement and not just overt. Overall, the theory is interestingly confusing, to say the least.

Look to the website and read through articles to get a grasp on the theory