Virginia Woolf
The Quote in Other Words
It appears that a period of exceptional intelligence is often followed by a time of energetic activity, disorder, and excess, which in turn gives way to a period of orderliness and diligent effort.
Explanation of the Quote
This quote suggests that periods of great creativity and innovation are often followed by times of chaos and excess, which eventually give way to a more disciplined and focused approach. The “age of genius” refers to a time when new ideas and breakthroughs are abundant, but this can also lead to a lack of structure and discipline. As a result, the next era is characterized by a need for order and hard work to maintain the progress that has been made.
This pattern can be seen throughout history, from the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution. In each case, a burst of creativity and innovation was followed by a period of upheaval and excess, which eventually gave way to a more disciplined and focused approach. This quote suggests that this cycle is a natural part of human progress, and that we should embrace both the chaos and the hard work that come with it.
Ultimately, this quote reminds us that progress is not a linear process, but rather a series of ups and downs. It encourages us to embrace the challenges that come with change, and to work hard to maintain the gains that have been made.