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Men of genius are often dull and inert in society; as the blazing meteor, when it descends to earth, is only a stone.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Genius may not always manifest dynamically in social situations, similar to how a meteor loses its brilliance upon landing.

This quote suggests that true genius, while often brilliant and impactful in certain contexts, can appear dull and unremarkable in the everyday world. The metaphor of a meteor emphasizes that even the most extraordinary talents can become grounded and less impressive when subjected to the conventions of social interaction, highlighting the disparity between extraordinary abilities and their practical expressions.

Themes

GeniusSocietyBrillianceMediocrityTalent

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about the challenges faced by creative individuals in conventional workplaces.

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O suffering, sad humanity! O ye afflicted ones, who lie Steeped to the lips in misery, Longing, yet afraid to die, Patient, though sorely tried!
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Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.
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To be seventy years old is like climbing the Alps. You reach a snow-crowned summit, and see behind you the deep valley stretching miles and miles away, and before you other summits higher and whiter, which you may have strength to climb, or may not. Then you sit down and meditate and wonder which it will be.
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In the long run men hit only what they aim at.
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