4 ms·
Why were you downvoted? While not an original idea, it does mostly represent the reality of expressed genius. Even if the 1 part inspiration is a required par
by eternalvision 9y ago
Why were you downvoted? While not an original idea, it does mostly represent the reality of expressed genius. Even if the 1 part inspiration is a required part (i.e. you either have that inspiration/talent/predisposition/whatever it is, or you don't), the 99 parts perspiration correctly convey that differentiation truly arises from hard work and persistence.
Many 'genius' level minds are doing absolutely nothing productive for humanity with their 'talent'.
- hyperpallium 9y agoNot only is it not original, it's a famous quotation (Edison). I like that it's about expressed genius, implying genius isn't something you are, but something you do. Inspiration strikes unpredictably. This fits with that TED talk about the older definition of genius as a kind of muse that visits you (the inspiration part). The inspiration for relativity - that you could make speeds constant by fiddling time and distance - is pretty simple, even childish or foolish. But constructing a consistent mathematical theory from it was difficult. Even so, the maths was within reach of other mathematicians of the time - they tutored Einstein for general relativity. It's the inspiration that you could do it and actually doing it, Though IMHO the most amazing thing about relativity is that it turned out to be true. I agree there are many smart people who never did anything. By this definition, they aren't "geniuses". BTW: HN might dislike this quote because Edison has fallen from favour, and (Nikola) Tesla is celebrated. Though, Edison is by all measures the better model of entrepreneurship (Telsa the better inventor). In general, HN votes should not be taken seriously.