George Henry Lewes: 'Genius is rarely able to give any account of its own processes.'

Genius is rarely able to give any account of its own processes.

The quote by George Henry Lewes, "Genius is rarely able to give any account of its own processes," captures the elusive nature of creative genius and the mystery that surrounds it. In a straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that individuals with exceptional abilities or talents often struggle to articulate how their unique thought processes and creative insights occur. This quote emphasizes the enigmatic nature of genius and raises intriguing questions about the source of creativity. However, to add an unexpected philosophical concept to this discussion, let us explore the idea of the unconscious mind and its role in the creative process.The idea of the unconscious mind dates back to renowned psychiatrist Sigmund Freud, who believed that beneath our conscious awareness lies a vast repository of thoughts, desires, and memories that influence our thoughts and actions. Applying this concept to the quote by Lewes, we can consider how the unconscious mind might play a decisive role in creative genius.Throughout history, many notable geniuses, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, or Frida Kahlo, have often spoken of the subconscious or unconscious as a source of inspiration. They describe their creative insights as if they surfaced from an abyss, transcending their own conscious understanding. This perspective aligns with Lewes' assertion that genius struggles to explain its own processes, as it may be reliant on the unconscious mind to bring forth innovative ideas and unique perspectives.Interestingly, this notion of the unconscious mind is not limited to artistic or scientific genius but can be applicable to various fields. For instance, even business innovators like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk often attribute their groundbreaking ideas to intuitive flashes or sudden inspirations that seem to arise from an unexplainable source. These individuals, often referred to as visionaries, demonstrate how genius can manifest in diverse contexts, all while grappling with the challenges of explaining the inexplicable workings of their own minds.By delving deeper into the connection between genius, the unconscious mind, and creativity, we discover that this philosophical concept provides a plausible explanation for Lewes' quote. It suggests that the creative process is not entirely within the conscious control of the genius but rather relies on the mind's mysterious depths. This relationship between conscious and unconscious elements gives rise to extraordinary insights, ingenuity, and originality that defy rational explanation.Moreover, the concept of the unconscious mind offers a compelling account of the seemingly random connections and associations that often occur in the creative process. Geniuses might not be able to articulate the series of mental leaps or connections that lead to their unique ideas simply because these processes occur beyond conscious awareness. It is as if the genius is merely a vessel through which the unconscious mind expresses its innate creativity.In conclusion, George Henry Lewes's quote, "Genius is rarely able to give any account of its own processes," reveals the enigmatic nature of genius and the difficulties faced by exceptional individuals in explaining the source of their creativity. However, by introducing the concept of the unconscious mind, we gain insight into the role it plays in the creative process. The unconscious mind offers a plausible explanation for the mysterious origin of genius, highlighting its ability to access profound insights that evade conscious understanding. By acknowledging the power of the unconscious mind, we can marvel at the wonders of genius while embracing the mysterious and awe-inspiring nature of creative innovation.