Yet as matters stand at present, it is not only
hard to produce a genius but also hard to have the soil from which a
genius could grow. It
seems to me that while genius is largely inborn, anyone can become
the soil to nurture genius. For us to provide, the soil is more
realistic than to demand the genius; for otherwise, even if we have
hundreds of geniuses they will not be able to strike root for lack of
soil, like bean-sprouts growth on a plate.....
Of course the soil cannot be compared with genius,
but even to be the soil is difficult unless we persevere and spare no
pains. Still, where there’s a will there’s a way, and here we
have a better chance of success than if we wait idly for a
heaven-sent genius. In this lies the strength of the soil and its
great expectations, as well as its reward. For when a beautiful
blossom grows from the soil, all who see it naturally take pleasure
in the sight, including the soil itself. You need not be a blossom yourself to feel a lifting of your spirit — provided, always, that
soil has a spirit too.
Lu Shun
(Waiting for a Genius)
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