"The man of genius is he and he alone who finds such joy in his art that he will work at it come hell or high water"

Stendhal's quote, "The man of genius is he and he alone who finds such joy in his art that he will work at it come hell or high water", powerfully encapsulates the essence of real devotion and passion. At the heart of this declaration is the idea that genuine genius is not merely a product of inherent skill or intelligence, however of a steadfast dedication to one's craft driven by profound happiness and enthusiasm. The expression "come hell or high water" recommends that true commitment persists regardless of barriers, challenges, or hardships. It suggests an unrelenting pursuit that is undeterred by external or internal trials.

Stendhal emphasizes that delight originated from one's art is important. This joy becomes the fuel that sustains artists through periods of doubt, problem, and even anguish. It is this intrinsic pleasure that distinguishes a genius from a mere practitioner. While abilities can be learned and fine-tuned, and intelligence can be developed, the deep-seated love for one's work can not be produced; it is intrinsic to the person. Joy in this context is not superficial happiness but a profound, satisfying fulfillment that perks up the spirit and drives the individual forward.

Furthermore, Stendhal's assertion implicitly recommends that genius is not a fixed quality but a dynamic process. It highlights the continuous nature of true artistry-- where the journey and the act of production hold as much, if not more, value than the final product. This point of view moves the focus from entirely valuing the end result to valuing the continuous engagement with one's art.

In essence, Stendhal's quote serves as an inspiration and a suggestion that true genius is not about the awards or acknowledgment one may accomplish, however about the relentless pursuit of one's enthusiasm through the love of creation itself, despite the conditions dealt with along the way. It calls on individuals to find and cultivate that happiness in their work, as that is the genuine hallmark of a genius in any field.