Nietzsche on genius:
In relation to the genius, that is to say, a being who either ENGENDERS or PRODUCES—both words understood in their fullest sense—the man of learning, the scientific average man, has always something of the old maid about him; for, like her, he is not conversant with the two principal functions of man.
More here.
"Speak not of gifts, or innate talents! One can name all kinds of great men who were not very gifted. But they acquired greatness, became “geniuses” (as we say) through qualities about whose lack no man aware of them likes to speak; all of them had that diligent seriousness of a craftsman, learning first to form the parts perfectly before daring to make a great whole."
Condensed version of Beyond Good and Evil.
If you don't like (or read) German philosophy you have no soul.
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If you read great musicians and athletes, it's one thing to possess the talent, quite another to perfect it. That takes hard work and dedication.
If you want philosophy with soul, if you want your soul to encounter philosophy try Dostoyevsky, Soloviev, Bulgakov, Rozanov, Berdayev. Especially Fyodor.
ReplyDeleteThere is more too.
Dostoyevsky I'm familiar with and enjoy. Will look into the others for sure.
ReplyDeleteI answered your Canadian question about Libya. FYI.