Why Being a Geek is 'In': A Look at 10 Successful Geeks [infographic]

The old (and negative) stereotype of geeks has almost faded away completely in recent years. The idea of a sloppy, nerdy kid in the back of the classroom that lacks basic social skills has been replaced with the uber-knowledgeable, witty, and most importantly, highly successful, individual. Being a geek has never been more cool and in style. The list of 10 successful geeks below are in a range of fields such as statistics, mathematics, political evangelism and composition that at first glance don't share too many similarities. The underlying traits that these geeks have is the ability to make and see connections where others can't and the ability to stay unique to oneself. Well, that, and they are also all geniuses. All of them have found success within the last several years and offer a glimpse of what possibilities our future may hold when geeks start having more influence.

The old (and negative) stereotype of geeks has almost faded away completely in recent years. The idea of a sloppy, nerdy kid in the back of the classroom that lacks basic social skills has been replaced with the uber-knowledgeable, witty, and most importantly, highly successful, individual. Being a geek has never been more cool and in style.

The list of 10 successful geeks below are in a range of fields such as statistics, mathematics, political evangelism and composition that at first glance don't share too many similarities. The underlying traits that these geeks have is the ability to make and see connections where others can't and the ability to stay unique to oneself. Well, that, and they are also all geniuses. All of them have found success within the last several years and offer a glimpse of what possibilities our future may hold when geeks start having more influence.