A well-known writer named Wilford Funk loved words. He wrote multiple books to help people increase their word power.
Once, to understand the idea of “genius,” he researched to see how geniuses themselves defined the word.
The pianist Paderewski said, “Before I was a genius, I was a drudge.”
Alexander Hamilton said, “All the genius I have is merely the fruit of labor.”
Michelangelo said, “If people knew how hard I work to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful.”
This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge. Wilford Funk never heard a genius speak of talent or inspiration, just brutal work. What’s in a word? Evidently the word “genius” contains considerable sweat equity … it’s the high calling of our daily work.
