...mother's chamber. Dr Johnson, in relating this circumstance, has observed, that " the true genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction." But the very importance which the doctor attributes to the power of accident, goes far towards confuting...

...propensity for some certain science or employment, which is commonly called genius. The true genius is will not inquire : perhaps a surly and sullen spectator may think such performances r Sir Joshua Reynolds, the great painter of the present age, had the first fondness lor his art excited...

...not associated with great moral qualities and noble hearts.' • Johnson says that, ' true genius is a mind of large general powers accidentally determined to some particular direction.' Godwin says, ' genius in the first instance is a spirit of prying observation and curiosity.' While...

...have entertained the same notion of genius, as that in after years expressed by Johnson the second : " A mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction." And Dryden, unaware of what the dramatist said, thus writes of himself: — " The same parts and application...

...meet with, and dispose of, new and emharrassing exigencies. Johnson has said, — " The true genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction ;" with the single improvement, as we take it to be, of substituting providentially for accidentally,...

...propensity for some certain science or employment, which is commonly called ilenius. True genius is a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction. Sir Joshua Reynolds, the great painter of the last age, had the first fondnesb/ur his art excited by...

...Perhaps it was a train of reasoning something similar which led Dr. Johnson to define genius to be a mind of large general powers, accidentally determined to some particular direction. Although one cannot but lament the manner in which Petrarch employed his extraordinary talents, nor...

...His own opinion on the subject has already been stated; and Johnson's notion, that " true genius is a mind of large general powers accidentally determined to some particular direction," appears to have suggested or confirmed it. The point must still remain a matter of speculation, for...

...not over-happy life. It is recorded of him that he became a poet in consequence of reading the Faerie Queene, which chance threw in his way while yet a...than of one who comprehended the spirituality of a marvelous gift. Abraham Cowley, the posthumous son of a London grocer, owed much to his mother. She,...

...the Faerie Queene, which chanee threw in his way while yet a child. In allusion to this, Dr. Johuson gave his wellknown definition of genius : " A mind...than of one who comprehended the spirituality of a marvelous gift. Ahraham Cowley, the posthumous son of a London grocer, owed much to his mother. She,...