Rethinking Greek Genius: Reflections on Demon Entrepreneurs.

This article explores the concept of "Greek genius" from various perspectives and its connection to economic success, education, and cultural stereotypes. The essays argue that the Greek genius is rooted in the resourcefulness of characters like Odysseus and Sinon, and that shipping and commerce played a crucial role in spreading Enlightenment ideas and fostering political emancipation in Greece. The volume also examines how other cultures perceived the Greek genius, with some focusing on negative stereotypes of Greeks as cunning and deceitful. The article discusses the evolution of the Greek genius concept over time and its impact on Greek national identity. The text also delves into the discourse surrounding Greek genius in late nineteenth-century public discussions and its prevalence in the interwar period. It concludes by discussing the instrumentalization of the Greek genius during the recent Greek economic crisis. The collection highlights the consistency of the core traits associated with Greek genius while also showing the varying interpretations of it. [Extracted from the article]