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About this quote

What does it mean?
Beethoven is described as an unreachable figure with uncompromising power and a difficult personality.
In plain terms
He was a giant who was hard to reach and had a demanding way with music and people.
What can you take from it?
Great artistic genius often comes with difficult interpersonal traits.

Where it applies

  • studying biographies
  • discussing artists
  • leadership analysis

Putting it to work

  • respect genius
  • expect friction
  • look past personality

Questions to consider

  • Does genius require isolation?
  • How do you handle difficult mentors?

Another view

This view may exaggerate the necessity of conflict for greatness.

More from Ludwig van Beethoven

  1. Everything will pass, and the world will perish but the Ninth Symphony will remain.

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. Anyone who understands my music will never be unhappy again.

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. You are going to Vienna in fulfillment of your long-frustrated wishes. The Genius of Mozart is mourning and weeping over the death of her pupil. She has found …

    Permalink to quote #11

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