"A person of any mental quality has ideas of his own. This is common sense"

Franz Liszt’s assertion that a person of any mental quality possesses their own ideas points to the vital connection between individuality and intellectual vitality. The phrase “mental quality” does not necessarily imply high intelligence or scholarly excellence, but rather indicates a basic level of mental engagement and self-awareness. Such a person is not a passive receiver of outside opinions but an active generator of perspectives and thoughts.

Having “ideas of his own” speaks to a person’s ability to think independently, to observe the world critically, and to derive conclusions shaped by personal reasoning rather than blind imitation. Liszt underscores the importance of originality, not necessarily groundbreaking novelty, but authenticity in thought. In his mind, it is not just the great philosopher, artist, or scientist who holds this distinguishing trait, but anyone whose mind is awake and functioning. This expectation of independent thought is positioned as a baseline, a standard of “common sense.” He implies that the absence of independent thinking is a failure to engage with the world as a truly human being, rather than a sign of rare genius.

By referring to independent thinking as common sense, Liszt challenges readers to consider originality not as an extraordinary gift, but as a natural outcome of simply using one’s mind. Furthermore, there is an implicit critique of conformity, passivity, and intellectual complacency. Unquestioned acceptance of prevailing norms or majority opinions is seen as a deficiency, not a virtue. In effect, Liszt’s words encourage authenticity, critical analysis, and confidence in one’s thoughts. Such a viewpoint is empowering, presenting independent thinking as both accessible and essential. It places the responsibility for originality not on external circumstances or education, but on the willingness of each individual to engage with their own mind and cultivate personal ideas, making this capacity the true mark of sanity and common sense.