Herzl and The Jewish State

When Herzl wrote his booklet The Jewish State, he invited one of his friends, Dr. Emil Schiff to hear one of the early versions of the manuscript. When the reading was over Schiff broke down in tears. Herzl, who first thought these are tears of excitement, realized to his consternation that Schiff was crying for his sanity. Another friend, The Chief Rabbi of Vienna, expressed his enthusiasm to Herzl, but a few hours later had written a postcard to his wife: “Herzl is a poet. His plan, however interesting, is not feasible.”

Source: Herzl / Amos Elon