After Genesis gained knowledge of what exactly he was, an experiment with Jenova's cells that failed, he turned to books to cope with his inferiority complex, rather a specific poem, Loveless. Learning every word and reciting it with little struggle. After nearly causing mass destruction he decided to recede into himself and become a pariah, staying away from others in fear of his true self coming to light, a deeply troubled man who posed a danger to himself and others. Until he met you.