The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step read more

The sublime and ridiculous are often so nearly related that it is
difficult to class them separately. One step below the sublime
makes the ridiculous and one step above the ridiculous makes the
sublime again.

As diamond cuts diamond, and one hone smooths a second, all the
parts of intellect are whetstones to each read more

As diamond cuts diamond, and one hone smooths a second, all the
parts of intellect are whetstones to each other; and genius,
which is but the result of their mutual sharpening, is character
too.

In the republic of mediocrity, genius is dangerous

In the republic of mediocrity, genius is dangerous

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

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

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more
complex. . . . It takes a touch of genius--and read more

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more
complex. . . . It takes a touch of genius--and a lot of courage
to move in the opposite direction.

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.

To think, and to feel, constitute the two grand divisions of men
of genius--the men of reasoning and the read more

To think, and to feel, constitute the two grand divisions of men
of genius--the men of reasoning and the men of imagination.

A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.

A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go further than a great idea that inspires no one.

Genius develops in quiet places, character out in the full current of human life.

Genius develops in quiet places, character out in the full current of human life.