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...I have always maintained that, excepting fools, men did not differ much in intellect, only in zeal and hard work; and I still think there is an eminently important difference.
Charles Darwin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Intellect varies little among men; the key distinctions lie in their passion and effort.

In this quote, Charles Darwin suggests that the differences in intelligence among individuals are minimal. Instead, what truly sets people apart is their level of enthusiasm and dedication to their pursuits, implying that hard work and passion are significant determinants of success and achievement.

Themes

IntellectZealHard WorkSuccessDedication

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech for students emphasizing the importance of effort over natural talent.

More from Charles Darwin

Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
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The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
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I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
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We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
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I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
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we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
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Quote by Charles Darwin | QuoteProject