Both geniuses and madmen pay attention to what others ignore
Every time I read one of these articles about genius and madness, I become smug for a little while, then I get depressed because I realize that I haven't accomplished anything noteworthy, then I'm mildly reassured because occasionally my wife will spontaneously aver (contrary to all expectation) that I am a genius, then I get distracted and start chasing some ideas, then I get depressed again because, well, shit, I still haven't accomplished anything that anyone but my wife knows about, and anyway these ideas I chase are very interesting but once I've figured it out, I am satisfied and don't share it with anyone, because I don't really give a shit about becoming known as a genius, if I even am (which I doubt seriously).Then, as a general rule, I start drinking if I have no obligations for the evening.  Thankfully this evening I started drinking before I read this, so I can skip all the other stuff and just enjoy this awful feeling as I contemplate several of my friends who have accomplished things, and one of whom is actually a genius, unlike me.Edit: Thank goodness for whisky.  (Did I mention that I predicted Trump's victory back in August 2015?  I'm pretty good at political predictions.)  (No, I don't vote, and my predictions don't imply endorsement.  All politicians suck, even those who aren't (or weren't) politicians.)Also, if I ever accomplish anything noteworthy, I will let you poor HN comment readers know immediately.