Most brilliant minds exceeded their contemporaries' understanding and tolerance.
New and unfamiliar theories change people's cognition of the world and undermine
their sense of security. Most therefore react to fundamental challenges to their knowledge system
by resistance or outrage, consciously or unconsciously. Galileo challenged the infallibility of
the Roman Catholic Church by altering the accepted theory of the Earth's position in the universe,
and was treated as a heretic. This is an example, though extreme, of the natural reaction to one
great man's claims. The importance of many scientific achievements waited years, even centuries,
to be validated by scientists after the extensive accumulation of data and proof. It is
the same with artistic works. A number of great artists receive reputation only after their death.
The name William Blake was unknown in Victorian times; Emily Bronte and her works were despised
by her contemporary critics; Van Gogh suffered from non-recognition of his art and
the subsequent poverty and mental derangement. It is no wonder why O. Henry wrote a story about
an artist winning fame and fortune by feigning his death to satirize the phenomenon.
Although President Lincoln is considered one of the greatest presidents,
and the hero who put an end to the inhumane slavery in American history,
he was seriously criticized at that time by many senators. In the South,
there are still comments about how Lincoln used his power during the Civil War
to delay the truce and to enforce the 13th Amendment to be passed.