Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

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.

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.

Fortune has rarely condescended to be the companion of genius.

Fortune has rarely condescended to be the companion of genius.

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.

Vivutur ingenio, that damn'd motto there
Seduced me first to me a wicked player.

Vivutur ingenio, that damn'd motto there
Seduced me first to me a wicked player.

Genius... is the capacity to see ten things where the ordinary man sees one.

Genius... is the capacity to see ten things where the ordinary man sees one.

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.

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.