But the fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. read more

But the fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses. They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown.

In every work of genius we recognise our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated read more

In every work of genius we recognise our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty.

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for read more

To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men--that is genius.

You can't study the darkness by flooding it with light.

You can't study the darkness by flooding it with light.

The hearing ear is always found close to the speaking tongue; and
no genius can long or often utter read more

The hearing ear is always found close to the speaking tongue; and
no genius can long or often utter anything which is not invited
and gladly entertained by men around him.

Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it.

Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it.

Sometimes men come by the name of genius in the same way that certain insects come by the name of read more

Sometimes men come by the name of genius in the same way that certain insects come by the name of centipede--not because they have a hundred feet, but because most people can't count above fourteen.

Genius is only patience.
[Fr., Le Genie, c'est la patience.]

Genius is only patience.
[Fr., Le Genie, c'est la patience.]

The public is wonderfully tolerant. It forgives everything except genius.

The public is wonderfully tolerant. It forgives everything except genius.