> unfortunately, nietzsche [...] seems to have devoted himself chiefly to what he thought would shock the public. [...] in youth when a man is not yet certain of himself he may try to secure his own position by jostling others. great men, however, are painfully aggressive only from necessity. (p.105) here, weininger critiques nietzsche, suggesting that his focus on shocking the public detracted from his substance. he contrasts this with true genius, driven by necessity rather than provocation. > genius! genius! how much mental disturbance and discomfort, hatred and envy, jealousy and pettiness, has it not aroused [...] and how much counterfeit and tinsel has the desire for it not occasioned? (p.105) weininger reflects on the widespread jealousy and imitation that true genius evokes, portraying it as rare and difficult to attain, with many people misunderstanding or attempting to imitate it in vain. > i turn gladly from the imitations of genius to the thing itself [...] but where can i begin? all the qualities that go to make genius are in so intimate connection that to begin with any one of them seems to lead to premature conclusions. (p.105-106) weininger shifts focus to explore the essence of true genius. he acknowledges the challenge of isolating any one trait of genius, as these traits are interwoven, underscoring the complexity of his investigation. true genius, unlike talent, is rare, deeply interconnected with masculinity, and entirely distinct from the more ordinary qualities often mistaken for it.
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