John Dryden: 'Genius must be born, and never can be taught.'

Genius must be born, and never can be taught.

In his insightful quote, John Dryden asserts that genius is an inherent trait that cannot be learned or acquired through education. He suggests that geniuses are not made, but rather born, possessing an innate spark that sets them apart from the rest of humanity. Dryden's words highlight the belief that exceptional abilities and talents emerge naturally, resisting attempts to be cultivated. This notion has resonated throughout history, often leading to a dichotomy between nature and nurture, where some argue that genius is predetermined and others maintain that it can be developed through instruction and practice.Understanding Dryden's quote requires a deeper exploration of the concept of genius. Historically, the term "genius" referred to the presence of a divine spirit or guiding force. It denoted a mystical power that bestowed extraordinary abilities upon an individual. With this definition in mind, Dryden's assertion gains validity. If genius is indeed a divine blessing, it follows that it cannot be achieved through pedagogy or teaching but rather emerges as a result of a cosmic lottery.However, it is worth contemplating the counterargument that genius can, to some extent, be nurtured. While it may be true that an inherent predisposition is necessary for genius to flourish, environmental factors undoubtedly play a role in its development. In this context, education and exposure can serve as catalysts, helping to hone and refine the raw talent that lies within an individual. The intertwining relationship between innate potential and acquired knowledge should not be overlooked or underestimated.To delve further into the nature versus nurture debate, it is intriguing to introduce the concept of "bricolage," as discussed by French philosopher Claude Lévi-Strauss. Bricolage, a term borrowed from the world of craftsmanship, refers to the act of piecing together different elements to create something new and unique. Within this framework, genius can be seen as a form of bricolage, in which individuals draw upon their innate talents but also combine and synthesize external influences to produce original and groundbreaking work.The parallels between Dryden's quote and the concept of bricolage are evident. While genius is something intrinsically possessed, it requires external inputs and influences to manifest fully. Just as a bricoleur uses various tools and materials to construct a work of art, a genius draws upon their inherent abilities while incorporating knowledge gained from education, experiences, and exposure to diverse sources of inspiration. In this way, genius may indeed be a fusion of both nature and nurture.To conclude, John Dryden's thought-provoking quote encapsulates the eternal question of whether genius is an inborn quality or a product of education and environment. While Dryden takes the stance that genius must be born and cannot be taught, a more nuanced perspective suggests that both factors are crucial in the journey of a genius. The concept of bricolage brings an unexpected philosophical dimension to this debate, highlighting the interplay between innate abilities and external influences. Ultimately, the nature of genius remains a complex and elusive phenomenon, continuing to captivate our minds and inspire awe and admiration.