"Genius must be born, and never can be taught"

John Dryden’s assertion that genius is an innate quality and not something that can be acquired through learning draws a sharp distinction between natural talent and cultivated skill. The emphasis rests on the notion that true genius springs from within, an element gifted at birth rather than bestowed by teachers or external instruction. While diligence, study, and perseverance are crucial to developing competence in any field, there remains an intangible spark at the heart of exceptional creativity or intellectual prowess that, according to Dryden, eludes formal transmission.

This perspective reflects a longstanding debate about the sources of human achievement. Throughout history, observers of prodigious abilities, whether in the arts, sciences, or other domains, have marveled at individuals whose innovations or mastery seem to transcend what mere practice can account for. Dryden’s observation values the unique, almost mystical origins of such ability, suggesting that it arises from a confluence of inherited traits, raw intellect, or imaginative power that cannot be manufactured. No amount of methodical instruction, no curriculum, and no rigorous repetition can replicate the particular combination of traits that constitute genius. While many may become competent through dedication and guidance, reaching the zenith of originality or creative brilliance requires something fundamentally inborn.

Moreover, Dryden’s statement implies both the limits and the privileges of nature’s gifts. On one hand, it might inspire admiration for the few whose talents set them apart; on the other, it can evoke a sense of resignation or humility in those who labor but never ascend to genius. Nonetheless, there is also an implicit challenge: to recognize and nurture whatever unique qualities one possesses, valuing the diversity of talents among individuals. In acknowledging genius as a birthright rather than an achievement, Dryden prompts ongoing reflection on the mysteries of human potential and the elusive origins of true greatness.