Chapter 7

Cultural Notes: Genii

A genius was every MAN's attendant spirit. Its job was to foster natural desires and their satisfaction. The genius of the paterfamilias was honored in each household, especially on the occasion of his marriage (remember that the familia was the whole household, slaves and all, and therefore existed before the birth of children). Your genius continued to watch over you in the next world. Gods, corporations, and places also had genii.