Writer tells readers how to be geniuses

Author Eric Weiner has traveled the world, reporting from more than 30 countries and finding along the way how certain locales are hotbeds of genius.

Speaking to students, book clubbers and other interested readers in Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows on Thursday, Weiner couldn't help but make a connection between his book and the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.

Part of becoming a genius, he said, is making a commitment.

"108 years - now there is some serious long-term commitment," Weiner told a group of more than a hundred Rolling Meadows High School students. "And if the Cubs can do it, you can too."

Weiner's book "The Geography of Genius: A Search for the World's Most Creative Places, from Ancient Athens to Silicon Valley" is this year's "One Book, One Village" selection of staff at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Now in its third year, the program aims to encourage community members to read the same book, then discuss it at various events around town.

With book discussions having been held since September, this year's One Book, One Village culminated Thursday night with an interview and Q&A with Weiner at the library.

Jennifer Czajka, the library's programs and exhibits manager, said the staff chose the book because it explores how creativity can be cultivated - important today, especially in the worlds of business and education.

"We thought the time for this kind of book was now," she said.

On Thursday afternoon, Weiner spoke to Rolling Meadows High School students, many of whom read his book as part of the school's summer reading program.

Weiner traveled to different places and learned from guides to inform his research. He believes geniuses aren't afraid to fail, embrace the "I don't know" state, and are a bit obsessive.

The No. 1 trait for creative people and places, he believes, is being open to experiences.

"If you think you know it all, you won't learn it all and you won't create anything," he said.