Language Point 1
No satisfactory way exists to explain how to form a good idea. (Para. 1)
Meaning: There is not a way good enough to explain how to find or develop a good idea.
Language Point 2
No satisfactory way exists... (Para. 1)
satisfactory: a. good enough to be pleasing, or for a purpose, rule, standard, etc.
This heater is satisfactory; it does give enough heat. 这取暖器效果令人满意，释放热量充足。
The design of the kitchen is satisfactory: the refrigerator is not next to the stove and there is enough space. 厨房的设计令人满意，冰箱不靠近炉灶，而且空间很大。
Language Point 3
...to explain how to form a good idea. (Para. 1)
form a good idea: begin to have an idea and develop it
We can say "to form an idea, an opinion, a judgment, a plan or even a personality".
He found it hard to form an original opinion. 他觉得要有独到的见解并非易事。
I know them both well enough to form my own judgment. 我对他们都非常了解，足可以自己独立判断。
A plan began to form in his mind. 一个计划开始在他脑子里形成。
One of the most important tasks for a school is to help and promote forming a child's personality. 学校的一个重要任务就是要帮助和促进儿童个性的形成。
Language Point 4
You think about a problem until you're tired, forget it, maybe sleep on it, and then flash! (Para. 1)
Meaning: You have been thinking about a problem until you are tired, forget it and leave it undecided and then suddenly some idea comes to your mind.
Language Point 5
...forget it, maybe sleep on it...(Para. 1)
sleep on it: leave sth. undecided or unattended until later time
He will sleep on the matter and tell us the decision later. 他对此事要考虑一下，再把他的决定告诉我们。
Language Point 6
...and then flash! (Para. 1)
flash: vi. 1. (of an idea) to come suddenly
These lines from Shakespeare just flashed into my mind. 我突然记起了莎士比亚的这几行诗句。
2. appear or pass suddenly
The car flashed by so quickly that I could not see the car number. 汽车飞驰而过，我根本看不到车牌号。
The policeman flashed his I. D. card at me, but I could not read his name. 警察只是向我亮了一下他的证件，可我根本看不清他的名字。
Language Point 7
When you aren't thinking about it, suddenly the answer arrives as a gift from the gods. (Para. 1)
Meaning: When you are no longer thinking of the problem, then the answer to it comes to your mind unexpectedly as if something falls upon you from heavenly spirits.
a gift from the gods: an unearned, or unexpected, benefit that is greatly valued
People say that all the years after 70 are gifts from the gods. 人们说70岁之后的寿数是上帝恩赐的。
Language Point 8
Of course, all ideas don't occur like that but so many do, particularly the most important ones. (Para. 2)
Meaning: Not all ideas, of course, come as gifts as many of them do. Especially, some big ideas do not come to your mind automatically.
occur: vi. come to mind
The idea never occurred to me. 我从未想到过这个主意。
It suddenly occurred to him that this was an act he could never do. 他突然想到这种事情他根本就不应该做。
particularly: ad. especially
He is particularly busy for this month. 这个月他特别忙。
He is particularly careful with his car; I do not think we should borrow it. 他对他的汽车爱惜有加，我看我们还是不借为好。
Language Point 9
They burst into the mind, glowing with the heat of creation. (Para. 2)
Meaning : These ideas come to the mind suddenly and show clearly they are good creative ideas.
glow: v. produce light and heat without fire,
Some natural matter can glow in the dark.有些自然物质能在黑暗中闪光。
glow with: show redness or heat with feelings, etc.
My father face glowed with satisfaction when he saw my college grades. 父亲看到我的学校成绩时，脸上露出满意的神情。
Language Point 10
How they do it is a mystery but they must come from somewhere. (Para. 2)
Meaning: How these ideas came to your mind is a mystery; no one can understand. But they must have come from somewhere, an unknown source.
mystery: something that is not fully understood
Many people have tried to solve the problem but without success; it is a mystery that the girl found the solution to it in just a minute. 许多人设法解决这个问题，但都没有成功; 这个女孩仅在几分钟内就把它解决了，真是件怪事。
Language Point 11
This is reasonable, for psychologists use this term to describe mental processes which are unknown to the individual. (Para. 2)
Meaning: The explanation holds water as psychologists use this special term to describe the patterns going on in our mind, which are not known by human beings.
process: n. a connected set of actions or events that produce continuation or slow change
In this example, the conscious mind at the moment of creation knew nothing of the actual processes by which the solution was found. (Para. 5) 在这个事例中，意识在创造的时候对发现答案的实际过程一无所知。
Scientists have now discovered more about the processes of sleep and dreaming. 科学家已经发现了更多的有关睡眠和做梦的过程。
Psychologists study the processes by which human personalities are formed, develop and change. 心理学家研究人类性格的形成、发展和改变的过程。
Language Point 12
Creative thought depends on what was unknown becoming known. (Para. 2)
Meaning : Creative thought comes if one can change what was unknown into something that is known
depend on: happen according to; count on
The success of the factory depends on the workers. 工厂的成功取决于工人的工作。
Depending on how much he sells, his earnings will increase. 他收入的增加取决于他能卖出多少。
Language Point 13
...it is easiest to examine it in the great creative personalities, many of whom experienced it in an intensified form and have written it down in their life stories and letters. (Para. 3)
Meaning: Many of the highly creative persons had experiences of this sort and felt its effects strongly, as you can find in their life stories and letters, so their case is easiest to study and understand.
Language Point 14
...it is easiest to examine it ...(Para. 3)
examine: study or determine
examine a tissue sample under a microscope 在显微镜下研究组织细胞的样品
examine the structure of a novel 分析一部小说的结构
examine one's own reasons 剖析自己的动机
Language Point 15
... the great creative personalities ...(Para. 3)
personality: n. 1. a person who is well-known to the public
Please note that this is a countable noun in this sense.
He is a powerful personality. 他是一位有权势的人物。
A number of local personalities were present. 出席的有许多当地政要。
2. the quality or condition of being a person
I like Jack because he has a friendly personality. 我喜欢杰克是因为他性情随和。
Language Point 16
...in an intensified form ...(Para. 3)
intensify: v. make or become stronger
Efforts to reach the injured man have been intensified because of a sudden turning for the worse in the weather. 由于天气突然变得更恶劣，援救伤员的工作加紧了步伐。
The enemy's breakthrough intensified, as there was no hope for their reinforcement. 由于增援无望，敌人加强了突围。
Language Point 17
...and have written it down in their life stories and letters. (Para. 3)
write down: record in writing
After two months' intensified course, he could write down the teacher's lecture in English. 经过二个月的强化训练，他已用英语记下老师的讲课内容了。
Language Point 18
One can draw examples from genius in any field ...(Para. 3)
genius: n. [C] a person of exceptional natural ability
Richard Wagner is a genius. 理查德•瓦格纳是个天才。
Language Point 19
All truly creative activities depend in some degree on these signals from the unconscious, ...(Para. 3)
in ... degree: to the limit of, somewhat
Production of fruit and vegetables has also risen in varying degrees. 水果和蔬菜的产量也不同程度地有了增加。
He was not in the slightest degree interested. 他一点也不感兴趣。
signal: n. 1. something that suggests something else exists or is going to happen.
Japanese leaders saw the visit as an important signal of support. 日本领导人把那次访问看作是对方给予支持的重要信号。
2. a gesture, sound, or action which is intended to give a particular
message
Stop when the signal light is red. 信号灯是红色时就停下来。
She made a signal with her arm for a left turn. 她用手臂示意向左拐弯。
Language Point 20
...and the more highly insightful the person, the sharper and more dramatic the signals become. (Para. 3)
Meaning: if the person is more insightful, then the signals become the sharper and more obvious.
Please pay attention to the structure the more... the more...
The sooner you start, the more quickly you'll be finished. 你开始得越早，完成得就越快。
The more people you know, the less time you have to see them. 你认识得人越多，你能用于见他们的时间就越少。
Language Point 21
...and more dramatic the signals become. (Para. 3)
dramatic: a. very obvious, sudden, exciting, not expected
The lives of the earliest foreigners who settled in America must have been dramatic and exciting. 早期定居美国的移民们生活一定充满变化又令人兴奋。
During my journey around the world I had many colorful experiences and enjoyed many dramatic situations. 在我周游世界的过程中，经历了许多多姿多彩、精彩分呈的场面。
Language Point 22
Take the example of Richard Wagner composing the opening to "Rhinegold". (Para. 4)
Meaning: Look at Richard Wagner writing the beginning part of "Rhinegold". as an example.
compose: v. create or produce (a written or musical piece)
The piece of music is composed for the celebration of 2008 Olympic Games to be held in China. 这首乐曲是为庆贺将在中国举办的2008年奥运会而创作的。
opening : the beginning part
The book's opening is dull, but the final pages are interesting. 这本书的开头部分很枯燥，但最后几页很有趣。
This is a natural opening for a narrative. 这是叙述性文体的一种很自然的开头方式。
Language Point 23
Wagner had been occupied with the idea of the "Ring" for several years, ... (Para. 4)
Meaning: For several years Wagner busied himself with the idea of composing the "Ring".
be occupied with sth.: be busy with sth.
She was occupied with the cleaning of the big house. 她正在忙于打扫那幢大房子。
I am afraid that you won't be able to see the doctor for he is fully occupied with appointments this afternoon. 恐怕你见不到那位大夫，因为他今天下午的预约已经排满了。
Language Point 24
...and for many months had been struggling to begin composing. (Para. 4)
struggle: vi. try hard to do something
struggle for a living 为生活而奋斗
struggle to one's feet 挣扎着站起来
struggle through the snowstorm 冒着暴风雪艰难地前进
Language Point 25
On September 4, 1853, he reached Spezia sick, went to a hotel, could not sleep for noise without and fever within, took a long walk the next day, and in the afternoon flung himself on a couch intending to sleep. (Para. 4)
Meaning: On September 4, 1853, when he reached Spezia he was ill. He went to a hotel, but could not sleep as there was so much noise outside his room and he was running a fever. He did a lot of walking the next day and in the afternoon he threw himself onto a couch hoping to have some sleep.
Language Point 26
...he reached Spezia sick...(Para. 4)
Please notice that the word "reach" is followed by an adjective to express a state when he reached Spezia.
He reached New York safe and sound. 他安全无恙地抵达纽约。
Language Point 27
...could not sleep for noise without and fever within...(Para. 4)
Please notice that both "without" and "within" are used as adverbs here.
without: ad. outside
The dog remained shaking without. 那狗在门外发抖。
within: ad. inside
He recognized that he must have carried about the orchestral opening to the "Rhinegold", within yet he had never been able to put it into form. 他意识到，这是久存于心中却始终未能谱写的《莱茵河的黄金》管弦乐前奏曲。
The building for sale. Enquires within. 此房出售，咨询请进！
A voice within told him what to do. 在他内深处有个声音告诉他该怎么办。
He looked calm without, but anxious within.他外表看起来很镇静，但内心却很焦急。
He was at peace without and at war within. 他外表显得很安祥，可内心的斗争却十分激烈。
Language Point 28
...and in the afternoon flung himself on a couch intending to sleep. (Para. 4)
fling: vt. throw with force
He flung his shoes at the dog that would not leave his door. 他用力把鞋子掷向那条老在他家门口转悠的狗。
Language Point 29
Then at last the miracle happened for which his unconscious mind had been seeking for so long. (Para. 4)
Meaning: For a long time his unconscious mind had been seeking for a good way to
start the composing and now he had it at last/now the miracle came at last.
Language Point 30
Then at last the miracle happened...(Para. 4)
miracle: n. act or event that cannot be explained by known laws of nature
The old woman said she had been cured by a miracle. 这位老妇人说她的病能被治好实在是个奇迹。
It is a miracle that the small child lived through the earthquake. 这个小孩能在地震中幸存下来，真是个奇迹。
Language Point 31
... his unconscious mind had been seeking for so long. (Para. 4)
seek for: make a search for; try to find; look for
He has been seeking for a new place to live for several months, but he has not found anything he can afford. 他几个月来在找一个新的住处，但还没有找到一处价格上他能承受得起的地方。
She had been seeking for a new partner for her business for a long time before finally finding one. 在很长一段时间她一直在寻找一个生意上的新伙伴，最后终于如愿以偿。
Language Point 32
Falling into a sleeplike condition, he suddenly felt as though he were sinking in a mighty flood of water, ...(Para. 4)
Meaning : He seemed to fall into a sleeplike condition. Suddenly he felt as if he were sinking in a violent ocean.
as though: as if
Please note that "as though" or "as if" is often followed by a clause in subjunctive mood (虚拟语气).
Why is she looking at me as though she knew me? I have never seen her before in my life.为什么她老看着我，好像认识我似的？我可从未见到过她呀。
She looks almost as if she were drunk. 她看上去像是喝醉了。
Please note the difference in the following two sentences:
You look as if you've been running. (The person may have been running.) 看来你像是刚跑过步。
You look as if you'd seen a spirit. (The person has probably not seen a spirit, but just looks shocked.) 看来你是见到鬼了。
Language Point 33
...the rush and roar soon took musical shape within his brain. (Para. 4)
Meaning: The image and sound of the rush and roar of the violent ocean became clear in a musical form in his brain.
take shape: develop or start to appear in such a way that it becomes fairly clear what its final form will be
After several days' discussion, their project began to take shape. 经过几天的讨论，他们的项目框架开始成形了。
Language Point 34
He recognized that the orchestral opening to the "Rhinegold", which he must have carried about within yet had never been able to put into form, had at last taken its shape within him. (Para. 4)
Meaning: He realized that the orchestral opening to the "Rhinegold" had finally been formed in his mind. Before this, the music must have existed in his (unconscious) mind but he had never been able to express it in a clear form.
Language Point 35
...he must have carried about...(Para. 4)
about: ad. here and there, or in all directions.
They go about together most of the time. 他们大多数时间都在一起四处活动。
The visitors sat about on the floor. 客人们散坐在地板上。
Language Point 36
...yet had never been able to put into form, ...(Para. 4)
put into form: express in clear (musical) form
Now that you understand the problem, you have to think about how to put it into form to make yourself understood. 既然你已理解了这个问题，现在要考虑的是以什么方式表达才能使别人听懂。
Language Point 37
In this example, the conscious mind at the moment of creation knew nothing of the actual processes by which the solution was found. (Para. 4)
Meaning: In this example, when the discovery was made the conscious mind did not know how the solution came about.
Language Point 38
As a contrast, we may consider a famous story: the discovery by Henri Poincare, the great French mathematician, of a new mathematical method called the Fuchsian functions. (Para. 5)
Meaning: We may consider a famous story, which is very different from the other examples. This story is about how Henri Poincare, the great French mathematician, discovered a new mathematical method called the Fuchsian function.
contrast: n. (with, between) unlikeness or difference shown by comparing objects or people
There is a great contrast between summer and winter. 冬夏之间区别极大。
If you compare the weather here with the weather in my country, there is not much contrast. 如果把这里的气候与我国的气候作一个比较，两者差别并不大。
Language Point 39
Here we see the conscious mind, in a person of highest ability, actually watching the unconscious at work. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Here we see the conscious mind of a highly creative person is actually watch the unconscious mind working.
at work: having an effect; in operation
The report suggested that the same direction was at work in political affairs. 报告表明在政治事务方面也存在同样的倾向。
It is important to understand the powerful economic and social forces at work behind their actions. 重要的是要懂得在这些措施的后面，经济和政治的力量所起的强大作用。
Language Point 40
...spent an hour or two trying a great number of combinations, but he arrived at no result. (Para. 5)
Meaning : ...spent a couple of hours trying many, various combinations, but he made no success.
spend (time) doing something: pass the time doing sth.
He spent an hour each day exercising. 他每天花1小时运动。
Now more and more city adults spend their free time trying to improve themselves at school or college. 现在城市里越来越多的成年人利用业余时间到学校或大学去充电。
Compare: spend (time) on something
He doesn't spend much time on his homework . 他花在作业上的时间不多。
Language Point 41
... a great number of combinations, but he arrived at no result. (Para. 5)
a great number of: many
There are a great number of people there. 那里有很多人。
combination: n. something that results from two or more things, (esp. chemicals) being combined.
This project is a good combination of science and art. 这个项目是科学与艺术的完美结合。
arrive at: reach, make or decide on (an idea, decision, judgment or result)
It took them a long time to arrive at a very difficult decision. 他们花了很长时间才作出了一个艰难的决定。
Language Point 42
One night he drank some black coffee, contrary to his usual habit, and was unable to sleep. (Para. 5)
black coffee: coffee without milk and sugar
black coffee 清咖啡
milk coffee 加牛奶的咖啡
strong/weak coffee 浓/淡咖啡
contrary to: opposite to
He passed the examination, contrary to what I expected. 他考试及格了，这出乎我的预料。
Contrary to all advice he gave up his job and left for the south. 他不听任何劝告，辞了工作,去了南方。
Language Point 43
Many ideas kept surging in his head; he could almost feel them pushing against one another, until two of them combined to form a stable combination. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Ideas came to his mind one after another and he could almost feel these ideas pushing against one another. At last two of the ideas came to form a firm and trusted combination.
Language Point 44
Many ideas kept surging in his head...(Para. 5)
keep (on) doing something: continue doing sth; do sth. frequently or repeatedly
Keep smiling! 保持微笑！
You shouldn't keep thinking about it. 你不应该老是去想它。
surge: move (as if) in waves
Memories surged in his mind. 对往事的回忆不断涌上他的心头。
Language Point 45
...he could almost feel them pushing against one another...(Para. 5)
against: in the direction of and meeting
The rain beat against the windows. 雨点拍打在窗户上。
Waves were striking against the shore. 波涛拍打着海岸。
Language Point 46
...until two of them combined to form a stable combination. (Para. 5)
combine: v. come together, unite, act together, or join together
If you combine powdered milk and water, you get liquid milk. 把奶粉和水合在一起就成了牛奶。
If improved online education is combined with other elements good results can be achieved. 如果经过改善了的网上教育与其他一些因素结合在一起，效果就更佳。
Aid workers say it's worse than ever as disease and severe hunger combine to kill thousands of people. 救援人员说，随着疾病和饥饿夺走了成千上万人的生命，情况变得恶化了。
stable: a. firm, without movement
People guess that the price of oil should remain stable for the rest of the year. 人们估计在今年剩下的日子里油价会保持稳定。
I am happy to learn that my father's health is making slow but stable progress. 我很高兴地获悉，父亲的健康状况正缓慢而稳定地得到改善。
Language Point 47
When morning came, he had established the existence of one class of Fuchsian functions. (Para. 5)
Meaning: When morning came, he had proved the existence of one group of Fuchsian functions.
Please note that the word "come" is not only used to talk about a person's or an animal's action but also an event or time.
The time has come for us to move on. 我们该继续前进了。
There will come a time when a crisis will occur. 危机必将会出现。
What comes after? 后来（结果）怎么样?
It often happens that success comes after many failings. 经过多次失败后才获得成功是常有的事。
My work comes first. 我的工作是第一位的。
Language Point 48
...he had established the existence of one class of Fuchsian functions. (Para. 5)
existence: n. the fact or state of existing
This is the oldest steel bridge in existence. 这是现存的历史最悠久的钢桥。
Some people think that it is difficult to prove the existence of the unconscious mind. 有人认为难以证实潜意识的存在。
Language Point 49
Here, we see the conscious mind observing the new combinations being formed in the unconscious, while the Wagner story shows the sudden explosion of a new concept into consciousness. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Here we can find that the conscious mind was watching the new combination being formed in the unconscious, but from the Wagner story we find that a new concept burst into consciousness without his knowing it was there.
Language Point 50
Here, we see the conscious mind observing the new combinations being formed in the unconscious, ...(Para. 5)
observe: vt. see and notice sth. or sb.; to watch sth. or sb. carefully
The police observed the man break into the store. 警察看着那个人闯进了那个商店。
You should observe the exhibition carefully. 你应该仔细观看这个展览会。
His job is to observe the movements of clouds and the changes in temperature. 他的工作就是观察云的移动和温度的变化。
Language Point 51
...the Wagner story shows the sudden explosion of a new concept into consciousness. (Para. 5)
explosion: n. a sudden bursting out
We are living in an age of knowledge explosion; we have hardly had the time to learn the new concepts. 我们生活在知识爆炸的时代，几乎来不及学习新的知识。
a considerable explosion of public opinion 舆论大哗
concept: n. something formed in the mind; a thought or idea
Students are supposed to learn the basic concepts of their fields. 学生应该学习他们专业领域里的基本知识。
The text does not explain the concepts very clearly. 这课文没有把概念解释清楚。
Language Point 52
A third type of creative experience is exemplified by the dreams which came to Descartes at the age of twenty-three and determined his life path. (Para. 6)
Meaning: At the age of twenty-three Descartes had the dreams that determined his life path. These dreams were good examples to support a third type of creative experience.
exemplify: vt. show by example
The room's style exemplifies his ideal of beauty and plainness. 这房间的风格说明了他对美与质朴的憧憬。
Language Point 53
Descartes had unsuccessfully searched for certainty, first in the world of books, and then in the world of men. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Descartes had been not successful in searching for life with no doubt to it; he first searched for it in piles of books and then from crowds of people.
search for: try to find; look for
They searched for the missing boy everywhere, but they could not find him. 他们到处寻找那个走失了的小孩，但仍没能找到。
Scientists searched for the cause of the disease. 科学家们千方百计寻找这种疾病的病因。
We often waste our time searching for keys, glasses and other small objects that are in continuous use. 我们常常浪费时间去找那些常用的东西，如钥匙、眼镜和其他小东西。
certainty: n. the fact, quality, or state of being certain
I have told them with absolute certainty there'll be no change. 我明白无误地告诉他们不会有什么变化。
There is little certainty about the present state of the US economy. 目前美国的经济状况有许多不定的因素。
Language Point 54
... in the world of books; in the world of men. (Para. 6)
world: n. a particular area of human activity
the world of money 金融界
the book world 出版界
the world of sports 体育界
the scientific world 科学界
Language Point 55
Then in a dream on November 10, 1619, he made the significant discovery that he could only find certainty in his own thoughts, cogito ergo sum ["I think; therefore, I exist"]. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Then in a dream on November 10, 1619, he made the very important discovery that he could find certainty in his own thoughts.
Language Point 56
This dream filled him with intense religious enthusiasm. (Para. 6)
Meaning: This dream made him have very strong joy like one has in an unexpected religious insight.
fill sb. with (a feeling): make sb. have or experience (that feeling)
I admired my father and his work filled me with curiosity. 我敬慕我的父亲，我对他的工作充满了好奇。
He looked at me without speaking, and for the first time I could see that his eyes
were filled with pride. 他一声不响地看着我，我第一次发现他的眼神中充满了骄傲。
Language Point 57
Wagner's, Poincare's, and Descartes' experiences are representative of countless others in every field of culture. (Para. 7)
Meaning: Their experiences are common to countless others in every field of culture.
representative of: be like or common to others of the same class
He was in no way representative of those who suffered from the accident. 他根本不能代表那起意外事故的受害者。
Language Point 58
The unconscious is certainly the source of instinctive activity. (Para. 7)
source: n. a place from which sth. comes or is acquired
The source of water for our watering network is the river near our farm. 我们灌溉系统的水源是农场附近的那条河。
The farms in the country are the source of food for the cities. 乡村农场是城市所需食品的来源。
Language Point 59
But in creative thought the unconscious is responsible for the production of new organized forms from relatively disorganized elements. (Para. 7)
Meaning: But in creative thought it is the unconscious mind that enables man to create newly organized forms (i.e. discoveries) from relatively disorganized elements (which appear meaningless and not related to discoveries).
responsible for: being the cause of sth.
He still felt responsible for her sudden death. 他仍然感到她的突然死亡是他造成的。
He insisted that his solid foundation was responsible for his present success. 他坚持认为他今天的成功归功于他扎实的基础。