This is an interesting article from the 1920's written by a proprietor of a grocery supply business.  What the author considers brilliant may not fit the definition that many of us have.  I think a better term would be "schemer" or "dreamer" or something similar.  Anyway my main interest in the article is based on my assertion that many in the software profession are "brilliant." 

I myself find it hard to finish projects but easy to start them.  If you believe in personality tests than I am an INTP.  This means I have a tendency to live in my head.  I need to constantly fight to finish things and to stay interested in projects.  I'm always exploring new languages and technologies.  This is both a boon and a burden in the technology field.  I'm usually up to date on the latest technology but I have to push myself to finish projects that become a little too mundane.  I also read many articles from programming.reddit.com and similar sources.  If I'm not careful I can consume a whole night or day reading such articles.  The plus side is that I'm a sponge for information.  The negative is that I may have a hard time applying it as I'm always trying something new.

I believe that we must understand ourselves to be successful.  I am aware of my weaknesses and by my awareness I am able to realize what I must work on to be successful.  I must force myself to complete current projects and to apply my research.  When I am able to do this I can produce results that are amazing.  However, I always have the potential to waste days and nights reading.  However, it may be debatable whether reading is really ever a waste.  I watch very little television as I prefer to read and program instead.

In my opinion, this article can be summed up as "find hard workers."  Not brilliant by any means but a good read none the less.

Article:  Why I Never Hire Brilliant Men