Home » On the consequences of "Romantic Genius"

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Hambydammit wrote:Quote:The

Submitted by jread on May 4, 2008 - 12:10pm.

Hambydammit wrote:

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The adaptability of on organism is no different than the cultivation of creative ability in the human mind.

There is a difference.  If a few genes are "incorrect," the entire organism will die, or simply not live in the first place.  If a book is stylistically immature, it is subject to interpretation, and might be popular anyway.  In essence, you're comparing genes and memes.  Where this analogy fails is that the inherent truth of a meme is not relevant to its reproductive success.  For genes, their ability to produce a living being (their "truth&quotEye-wink is crucial.

I wasn't conscious of the genes and memes correlation, but I see the general direction that you are pointing to. Also, I do see your point that a faulty work of art may still be popular. However, I think it is important to point out that popularity is not an indication of genius; popularity is just a sign that people like your art for whatever reason.

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I see what you're saying, and I agree in general with the philosophical accuracy of your statement. 

Many thanks.

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People could probably produce "better" art if they spent more time improving their skill in baby steps.  However, this is a generalization, and is not true in every instance, and your analogy is not exactly valid.

Indeed, very true. My generalizing was a concern, but I overlooked it for the sake of putting my ideas down on paper. I really appreciate your feedback and criticism hamby. Thanks.

 

The implication that we should put Darwinism on trial overlooks the fact that Darwinism has always been on trial within the scientific community. -- From Finding Darwin's God by Kenneth R. Miller

Chaos and chance don't mean the absence of law and order, but rather the presence of order so complex that it lies beyond our abilities to grasp and describe it. -- From From Certainty to Uncertainty by F. David Peat

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