Genius And Its Signs

Johann Gottlieb Fichte, De Moribus Eruditorum or The Vocation of the Scholar, lect. III., p. 165, in: Johann Gottlieb Fichte's Popular Works with a Memoir, tr. William Smith (London, 1873).

. . . self-contemplation, and self-admiration, and self-flattery, although the last may remain unexpressed, and even carefully shrouded from the eye of every beholder,—these, and the indolence and disdain of the treasures already gathered together in the storehouses of learning which spring from these, are sure signs of the absence of true Genius; whilst forgetfulness of self in the object pursued, entire devotion to that object, and inability to entertain any thought of self in its presence, are the inseparable accompaniments of true Genius. It follows that true Genius in every stage of its growth, but particularly during its early development, is marked by amiable modesty and retiring bashfulness. Genius knows least of all about itself; it is there, and works and rules with silent power, long before it comes to consciousness of its own nature. Whoever is constantly looking back upon himself to see how it stands with him, of what powers he can boast, and who is himself the first discoverer of these,—in him truly there is nothing great.