What might be taken for a precocious genius is the genius of childhood. When the child grows up it disappears without a trace. It may happen that this boy will become a real painter some day or even a great painter. But then he will have to begin everything again from zero.
There are two way of establishing a reputation one to be praised by honest people and the other to be accused by rogues. It is best however to secure the first one because it will always be accompanied by the latter.
