Beethoven's DNA is not enough to explain his genius

Since the human genome was first sequenced in 2003, the question has regularly arisen: were the greatest geniuses in the history of our species simply so lucky that nature spoiled them? Recently, the prestigious Max Planck Institute returned to this issue, analyzing the case Ludwig van Beethoven, recognized as one of the greatest names in the history of Western music. A study that has very important limitations… but whose merit is that it reminds us that we must be extremely careful when interpreting this type of analysis.

The researchers’ experimental protocol is based on DNA samples taken from preserved hair. It is a popular subject of study; last year this material already made it possible to identify amazing family secret outstanding composer.

But in the meantime, other researchers conducted a huge study of more than 600,000 people to document possible links between certain elements of the genome and musical talent. In particular, they identified 69 genes associated with coordination and synchronization, which are very important for the ability to maintain rhythm.

The authors of the new study decided to study Beethoven’s genome in light of this new information. In particular, they calculated the so-called polygenic index (or PGI, from PolyGenic Index). This is a score that allows you to assess a person’s predisposition to certain character traits. They then compared this result to that of the general population to determine whether their subject had natural rhythmic talent. A trait that is sometimes associated with a particular musical talent, even if the connection is not always relevant (see below).

At the end of the protocol, they came to the conclusion that Beethoven did not perform. there is no such genetic predisposition. His PGI was even surprisingly low compared to the average person today. ” One of the most famous musicians in history had a relatively low polygenic score for overall musicality compared to the rest of the population. “, the authors of the study explain.

Beethoven's polygenic score — © Wesseldijk et al.

Major methodological limitations

An observation not without interest, but one that should be interpreted with caution. Really, The researchers’ methodology is far from infallible.

To begin with, this study is entirely based on the idea that musical genius is directly related to the ability to keep time with diabolical precision. However, although this is a necessary skill for a virtuoso musician, it is much less important for composition, which remained Beethoven’s main strength. And even if this were so, this criterion is largely insufficient to independently represent a person’s musical abilities..

Additionally, this type of genetic research is not is not a suitable tool for obtaining reliable inferences at the personality level. Analytical tools such as the polygenic index were invented to study population-wide trends in a very specific context.

However, here we also encounter a problem at the level of the data set used. And for good reason: it’s not representative at all. We can imagine dozens of social and environmental factors that may have altered the genetic landscape of populations between Beethoven’s time and ours. Therefore, comparing your results with the estimates of our contemporaries is not of great interest.

Beware of hasty conclusions

But researchers are aware of these limitations. They believe that the real interest of this study is that it shows the extent to which we should be absolutely wary of speech that associates genius with any genetic predisposition. And this is regardless of discipline.

” You should be skeptical if anyone claims they can use a genetic test to reliably determine whether your child will be gifted in music or especially talented in another area. explains Simon Fischer, professor of linguistics and genetics at the Max Planck Institute.

” Obviously, it would be wrong to conclude from this score that Beethoven’s musical abilities were not outstanding. “, he continues. ” We believe that this large discrepancy between DNA-based prediction and Beethoven’s musical genius provides a valuable example at the educational level. »

Moral of the story: To find the source of individual genius, we have to look much further. Regardless of the field, a simple genetic comparison focused on a very specific criterion will never be enough to explain why some artists or thinkers were so superior to others. What is certain, however, is that nothing beats developing your passion. Because without his love of music, Beethoven would never have had such an impact on Western culture, genetic predisposition or not!

The text of the study is available here.