Thus on similar occasions their
thoughts at once all take a similar direction, and run on the same
lines; and this explains why their judgments constantly agree--not,
however, because they are based on truth. To such lengths does this go
that certain fundamental views obtain amongst mankind at all times,
and are always being repeated and brought forward anew, whilst the
great minds of all ages are in open or secret opposition to them.
A genius is a man in whose mind the world is presented as an object
is presented in a mirror, but with a degree more of clearness and a
greater distinction of outline than is attained by ordinary people.
It is from him that humanity may look for most instruction; for the
deepest insight into the most important matters is to be acquired, not
by an observant attention to detail, but by a close study of things as
a whole. And if his mind reaches maturity, the instruction he gives
will be conveyed now in one form, now in another. Thus genius may be
defined as an eminently clear consciousness of things in general, and
therefore, also of that which is opposed to them, namely, one's own
self.
The world looks up to a man thus endowed, and expects to learn
something about life and its real nature. But several highly favorable
circumstances must combine to produce genius, and this is a very rare
event.
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