Ironic

 

On Page 15 of his book, The Passionate State of Mind, Eric Hoffer has two entries which I quote and then comment on.

 

Hoffer (H after this): “             18

 

We are told that talent creates its own opportunities. But it sometimes seems as if intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents.”

 

My response: I agree with his thoughts above, that intense desire can create its own opportunities and its own talents. There are many ways to self-realize and Hoffer, the brilliant, moderate thinker, well recognizes this reality. Forward progress is not always in the same, linear line; if the talented individuator were a scientist, he may invert or leave out a couple of steps typical to researchers applying the scientific method, but the innovator could still come up with remarkable, proven hypotheses, while missing steps.

 

H: “        19

 

By ADEQUATE canalization and under favorable circumstances, any kind of enthusiasm, however crude in nature and design, can be diverted in creativeness. The enthusiasm born of an error can be canalized into a passionate search for truth.”

 

My response: Amen.