High potential: a culturally coded concept. the french context of its emergence

The category of high intellectual potential (HIP) is appearing everywhere in the twenty-first century, such as in schools and care environments. However, there is no consensus among professionals on this subject. Passionate debates surround HIP, sometimes preventing it from being properly examined. Here, we draw a parallel with the figure of the genius, by describing the different aspects that have characterized it for centuries. With the interest in HIP, in pure intelligence and its potential, we seem to be a long way from the considerations of the figure of the genius. What societal movements have led to the emergence of this category of HIP? The search for the "great man," for this sacred dimension of genius, is perhaps not totally ignored in the collective unconscious of the twenty-first century. The expression of this figure of genius differs according to place and time. Could HIP be a culturally coded concept in this sense? This article is an introduction to the research begun at the Maison des Adolescents under the direction of Dr Harf and Professor Moro.