'Of Genius', in The Occasional Paper, and Preface to The Creation by Aaron Hill
page 16 of 67 (23%)
page 16 of 67 (23%)
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by a _Genius_. Both are necessary to make a Man shine in any
Station or Employment. Nothing considerable can be done against the Grain, or as the _Latins_ express it, _invita Minerva_, in spite of Power and Inclination, "Forc'd Studies, says[H] _Seneca_, will never answer: The Labour is in vain where Nature recoils." Indeed, where the Inclination towards any Thing is strong, Diligence and Application will in a great Measure supply the Defect of natural Abilities: But then only is in a finish'd _Genius_, when with a strong Inclination there is a due Proportion of Force and Vigour in the Mind to pursue it. [G] _Ingenium quasi intus genitum_. [H] _Male respondent ingenia coacta; reluctante naturĂ¢ irritus Labor est._ There is a vast Variety of these Inclinations among Mankind. Some there are who have no bent to Business at all; but, if they could indulge Inclination, would doze out Life in perpetual Sloth and Inactivity: Others can't be altogether Idle, but incline only to trifling and useless Employments, or such as are altogether out of Character. Both these sorts of Men are properly good for nothing: They just live, and help to[I] consume the Products of the Earth, but answer no valuable End of Living, out of Inclination I mean; Providence and good Government have sometimes made them serviceable against it. [I] _Fruges consumere nati_. Horat. The better, and in Truth only valuable, Part of Mankind, have a |
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