'of Genius', in the Occasional Paper, and Preface to the Creation

This is an early 18th-century meditation on what it means to create. Aaron Hill argues that genius isn't simply born - it's cultivated through education, environment, and the particular inclinations of each person. He believed everyone possesses a unique talent that can be nurtured with proper guidance. Hill also launched a sharp critique of contemporary poetry, dismissing works that prioritized technical display over genuine emotional resonance. He championed a return to the raw, imaginative power found in Hebrew poetry - verses that move the soul through vivid imagery rather than clever construction. These aren't merely academic musings but a passionate defense of authentic, deeply felt creative expression. Written during a period of intense artistic debate, these reflections reveal a writer wrestling with fundamental questions about art, originality, and the sources of genuine inspiration. For readers curious about the origins of modern creativity theory or the roots of romantic literary philosophy, this text offers a fascinating window into early Enlightenment thinking about the nature of genius.