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.

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

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

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities.

Genius and its rewards are briefly told:
A liberal nature and a niggard doom,
A difficult journey read more

Genius and its rewards are briefly told:
A liberal nature and a niggard doom,
A difficult journey to a splendid tomb.

Doing easily what others find difficult is talent; doing what is impossible for talent is genius.

Doing easily what others find difficult is talent; doing what is impossible for talent is genius.

Time, place, and action may with pains be wrought, But Genius must be born; and never can be taught.

Time, place, and action may with pains be wrought, But Genius must be born; and never can be taught.

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.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.

Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.

Genius might be the ability to say a profound thing in a simple way.