Nature is the master of talents; genius is the master of nature.
- Josiah Gilbert Holland (used read more

Nature is the master of talents; genius is the master of nature.
- Josiah Gilbert Holland (used pseudonym Timothy Titcomb),

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.

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.

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.

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.

Genius is an infinite capacity for taking life by the scruff of the neck.

Genius is an infinite capacity for taking life by the scruff of the neck.

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.

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.

There is no great genius without a mixture of madness.
[Lat., Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementia.]

There is no great genius without a mixture of madness.
[Lat., Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixtura dementia.]