“But what is chance? What is genius?The words chance and genius do not denote any really existing thing and therefore cannot be defined. Those words only denote a certain stage of understanding of phenomena. I do not know why a certain event occurs; I think that I cannot know it; so I do not try to know it and I talk about chance. I see a force producing effects beyond the scope of ordinary human agencies; I do not understand why this occurs and I talk of genius.To a heard of rams, that ram the herdsman dries each evening into a special enclosure to feed, and that becomes twice as fat as the others, must seem to be a genius.”
Quote Analysis: Leo Tolstoy on Chance and Genius
In this quote by Leo Tolstoy, he delves into the concepts of chance and genius, suggesting that they are not tangible things but rather subjective labels we use to explain phenomena beyond our understanding. Tolstoy uses the metaphor of a herdsman's ram becoming twice as fat as the others to illustrate how something can appear extraordinary or genius to us simply because we cannot comprehend the underlying cause.
Modern Relevance
In this passage, Leo Tolstoy muses on the concepts of chance and genius, suggesting that they are simply labels we use to describe phenomena that we do not fully understand. This idea is still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the complexities of the world around us and the factors that influence success and innovation. Just as Tolstoy suggests that the herdsman's actions may seem like genius to the rams, we may perceive certain events or individuals as brilliant or extraordinary without fully comprehending the underlying reasons.
Leo Tolstoy on Chance and Genius
"But what is chance? What is genius?The words chance and genius do not denote any really existing thing and therefore cannot be defined. Those words only denote a certain stage of understanding of phenomena. I do not know why a certain event occurs; I think that I cannot know it; so I do not try to know it and I talk about chance. I see a force producing effects beyond the scope of ordinary human agencies; I do not understand why this occurs and I talk of genius.
To a heard of rams, that ram the herdsman dries each evening into a special enclosure to feed, and that becomes twice as fat as the others, must seem to be a genius.” - Leo Tolstoy"
Reflection Questions:
In this passage from Leo Tolstoy, he raises thought-provoking questions about the concepts of chance and genius. As you reflect on these ideas, consider the following questions:
- How do you personally define chance and genius based on your own understanding of the world?
- How does Tolstoy's perspective challenge your perception of these concepts?
- Do you agree with Tolstoy's assertion that chance and genius are merely stages of understanding rather than concrete phenomena?
- How does the analogy of the well-fed ram help illustrate Tolstoy's points about chance and genius?
- How might this passage influence how you approach and interpret unexpected or extraordinary events in your own life?
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