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F. Scott Fitzgerald said the test of a great intellect is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in one's mind at the same time and still retain the ability to f
by spinchange 15y ago
F. Scott Fitzgerald said the test of a great intellect is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in one's mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.
I think that quote should be kept in mind, because Steve Jobs was a deeply complex and dynamic man. His wife told Isaacson not to pull any punches. From what I've read, and from the things people closest to him have recounted, they did not. A lot of people are having a hard time reconciling the insanely great with the insane. Humans are complicated.
- kitsune_ 15y agoI think this quote is hogwash, because having two opposed ideas in one's mind is a core functionality of the human mind. Everybody does it. Take this vulgar example: Idea 1: "I really want to have sex with that waitress" - "She is so hot" Idea 2: "I really do no want to have sex with that waitress" - "Because I have a wife and kid" Conclusion: "I will do nothing silly"
- afterburner 15y agoKinda makes it sound like great intellect = ability to be self-delusional.