there are two different kinds of genius in the world...

In Daniel H. Pink's article What Kind of Genius Are You? he explains a new theory that suggests that creativity comes in two distinct types – quick and dramatic (the mercurial young genius or Conceptualist), or careful and quiet (the late bloomer or Experimentalist). In the article he explains the theory and gives examples from history:

Conceptualists

Many geniuses peak early, creating their masterwork at a tender age ...

LITERATURE: The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald - Age 29
PAINTING: Les Demoiselles d’Avignon - Pablo Picasso - Age 26
FILMMAKING: Citizen Kane - Orson Welles - Age 26
ARCHITECTURE: The Vietnam War Memorial - Maya Lin - Age 23
MUSIC: The Marriage of Figaro - Wolfgang Mozart - Age 30

Experimentalists

... while others bloom late, doing their best work after lifelong tinkering.

LITERATURE: Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain - Age 50
PAINTING: Château Noir - Paul Cézanne - Age 64
FILMMAKING: Vertigo - Alfred Hitchcock - Age 59
ARCHITECTURE: Fallingwater - Frank Lloyd Wright - Age 70
MUSIC: Symphony No. 9 - Ludwig van Beethoven - Age 54

Those of us past our 'use by' date are hoping that if we run like hell we'll be able to see Cezanne and Beethoven on the horizon, if not actually catch up.