Struck By Genius

No one else sees the world the way Jason Padgett does. Water pours from the faucet in crystalline patterns, numbers call to mind distinct geometric shapes, and intricate fractal patterns emerge from the leaves and branches of trees, revealing the intrinsic mathematical designs hidden in the objects around us.

Amazingly, Jason wasn’t born this way. Twelve years ago, he was a party-loving jock and a college dropout who’d never made it past pre-algebra. But a violent mugging permanently and profoundly altered the way his brain works, giving him unique gifts. His ability to understand math and physics skyrocketed. He’s now a devoted student and an award-winning artist, hand-drawing the stunning geometric patterns he sees everywhere.

The first documented case of acquired savant syndrome with mathematical synesthesia, Jason is a medical marvel. Some researchers see his transformation as proof that every brain possesses stunning abilities only some people are able to consciously access. Struck by Genius is the remarkable tale of Jason’s determined journey to overcome psychological and neurological trauma and embrace his new mind.

Jason describes his inner life and perception of the world before and after the attack with astonishing insight and infectious warmth. His is a story of joy, of falling in love, finding a passion for numbers, and, above all, discovering a deep sense of wonder for the beautiful order in our seemingly chaotic world.