Even though his book, “The Genius In All of Us”, has the word "genius" in the title, author David Shenk doesn’t think it's a particularly useful term.

All week, The Takeaway has been discussing genius with David Shenk, author of a new book called "The Genius In All of Us." Today, the conversation takes a turn. Math educator, John Mighton, joins the program to answer this question: On the road to genius, can failure be any help? Even Einstein famously struggled in academics before becoming one of the world's most revered geniuses. 

Practice, practice, practice. In this second installment of our weeklong series on genius, we talk to violinist Sarah Chang who was recognized as a child prodigy, recording her first album at age ten. Together with author David Shenk, the violinist shares some simple ingredients to astonishing success.

UPDATED 5:45 p.m.

Alex Goldmark here. 

We're monitoring the media blitz of Rep. Eric Massa tonight as he heads for the cable news channels to defend himself against ethics accusations. And also to throw a few more parting shots at President Obama's Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel. It's an inside story for Washington, but some valuable insights might come out on how work gets done in the Obama White House. Our partners at The New York Times are covering that here. 

Also, it is python hunting season in Florida. We'll bring you a sharp shooter. 

All this week we're talking about geniuses — people who've attained extraordinary success. But it's not just about the elites in society. David Shenk is the author of the reassuringly titled book "The Genius in All of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told About Genetics, Talent and IQ is Wrong."  We're asking you, Who is the genius in your life and why?

David will also be taking your questions about genius all week. Add them to the comments section below.

Click here to read the first chapter of "The Genius in All of Us," and check out David Shenk's blog here.

In the meantime, here are some examples of what people consider genius throughout history: