“ The presence of danger inspires a sensible man with genius, raising him, so to speak, above himself. ”
Stendhal, The Charterhouse of Parma (1839). copy citation
| Author | Stendhal |
|---|---|
| Source | The Charterhouse of Parma |
| Topic | danger genius |
| Date | 1839 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Mary Loyd |
| Weblink | https://www.gutenberg.org/files/57638/57638-h/57638-h.htm |
Context
“coat, I would jump into the Po, and I have no doubt I could swim across. Anything is better than the Spielberg.”
While he weighed his chances of succeeding in this prank, the police officer was looking hard at him; their two faces were a study. The presence of danger inspires a sensible man with genius, raising him, so to speak, above himself. In the case of the man of imagination, it inspires him with romances, which may indeed be bold, but which are frequently absurd.
Our hero’s look of indignation under the scrutinizing glance of this police officer with the brass jewellery was something worth seeing.”
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