Men of genius are far more abundant than is supposed. In fact, to appreciate thoroughly the work of what we call genius, is to possess all the genius by which the work was produced.
Interpretation
Genius is more common than we realize, and true appreciation of genius requires understanding the effort and creativity behind it.
Edgar Allan Poe suggests that there are more individuals with genius-like qualities than society often recognizes. To truly appreciate a genius's work, one must grasp the creativity, skill, and effort that led to its creation, fostering a deeper connection and recognition of talent.
In practice
In a discussion about artistic talent at a gallery, one might quote Poe to emphasize the hard work behind the masterpieces.
But evil things, in robes of sorrow, Assailed the monarch's high estate; (Ah, let us mourn, for never morrow Shall dawn upon him desolate!) And round about his home the glory That blushed and bloomed, Is but a dim-remembered story Of the old time entombed.
Most writers - poets in especial - prefer having it understood that they compose by a species of fine frenzy - an ecstatic intuition - and would positively shudder at letting the public take a peep behind the scenes.
...the agony of my soul found vent in one loud, long and final scream of despair.
Where the good and the bad and the worst and the best have gone to their eternal rest.
I could have clasped the red walls to my bosom as a garment of eternal peace. "Death," I said, "any death but that of the pit!" Fool! might I have not known that into the pit it was the object of the burning iron to urge me?
In our endeavors to recall to memory something long forgotten, we often find ourselves upon the very verge of remembrance, without being able, in the end, to remember.
If the reason I give is a good one, you will act upon it. If it is a bad one I cannot make it better by piling epithet upon epithet. There is no logic in abuse; there is no argument in an epithet.
Here's my unsolicited advice to any aspiring screenwriters who might be reading this: Don’t ever agonize about the hordes of other writers who are ostensibly your competition. No one else is capable of doing what you do.
The preaching of divines helps to preserve well-inclined men in the course of virtue, but seldom or ever reclaims the vicious.
There are so many things that pop up. If you are paying attention, you can learn every second of the day. Life is my guru.
So keeping the box closed just keeps you in the dark, not the universe.
Your talk," I said, "is surely the handiwork of wisdom because not one word of it do I understand.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.