Whatever question there may be of his [Thoreau's] talent, there can be none, I think, of his genius. It was a slim and crooked one; but it was eminently personal. He was imperfect, unfinished, inartistic; he was worse than provincial - he was parochial; it is only at his best that he is readable.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau’s genius was personal and distinct despite being imperfect and narrow.
- In plain terms
- Thoreau had great talent but was flawed and limited.
- What can you take from it?
- Genius can coexist with flaws.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do flaws affect genius?
- Is Thoreau still relevant?
Another view
Labeling someone parochial may undervalue local insights.
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