This point is made in The Idiot by Dostoevsky (via the character Hippolyte).
“Let me add to this that in every idea emanating from genius, or even in every serious human idea–born in the human brain–there always remains something–some sediment–which cannot be expressed to others, though one wrote volumes and lectured upon it for five-and-thirty years. There is always a something, a remnant, which will never come out from your brain, but will remain there with you, and you alone, for ever and ever, and you will die, perhaps, without having imparted what may be the very essence of your idea to a single living soul.”
Very true.
All the TED talks in the world cannot contain the complete essence of brilliance. All the self-help books, the Tony Robbins presentations…they’re all missing a key element: something that lies in the epicenter of brilliance.
Think of how a novel is written. Countless hours of contemplation, the dull hiss of the computer screen. The writer staring at a blank page, hoping to see the next paragraph of brilliance. How many thoughts are racing through his head? How many ideas that never make it to the page, yet are inextricably linked to the novel?
Think about a star athlete. Countless hours of practice, lifting weights in the back of the gymnasium. The moment of his public victory are proceeded by a million anonymous moments. How many days were not captured for the public eye? How many hours went un-televised, yet were tied to his ascension?
The genius is never fully understood. Something lies hidden—a spark in the fire that burns. An essential element, locked away from the vision of the crowd.
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Major Styles 
my brain thinks like this sometimes and gets all twisted in itself. and i’ve thought of how much i know about my daughters and yet how much i will never know b/c no one will. it’s real and surreal at the same time.
Good point. Even our children carry a secret life, away from the world of their parents.
I read it differently: we all perceive things a little bit differently. It’s impossible to communicate your experience perfectly. Something will always remain unsaid.
True…that’s another way to perceive it. 🙂
I recall you saying you weren’t terribly impressed with the book when you were half way through it. Have you changed your mind?
Dr. F…I’m starting to find some pleasant places in the novel. It’s been rough going though.