Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Moderation is essential for wisdom, while genius often ignores it.
This quote suggests that true wisdom involves the practice of moderation, as it helps us navigate life thoughtfully and carefully. In contrast, genius, which may be characterized by exceptional talent or creativity, often does not operate within the bounds of moderation, indicating that brilliant ideas and innovations may come from a place of extremes rather than balanced reasoning.
Themes
ModerationWisdomGeniusBalanceKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of balance in life during a conference.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes βIt is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
There are three kinds of praise, that which we yield, that which we lend, and that which we pay. We yield it to the powerful from fear, we lend it to the weak from interest, and we pay it to the deserving from gratitude.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Similar quotes
Who could be so lucky? Who comes to a lake for water and sees the reflection of moon.
RumiRead
There is much suffering in the world - physical, material, mental. The suffering of some can be blamed on the greed of others. The material and physical suffering is suffering from hunger, from homelessness, from all kinds of diseases. But the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved, having no one. I have come more and more to realize that it is being unwanted that is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.
Mother TeresaRead
The rule for every man is, not to depend on the education which other men have prepared for him-not even to consent to it; but to strive to see things as they are, and to be himself as he is. Defeat lies in self-surrender.
Woodrow WilsonRead
It is easy to be independent when you've got money. But to be independent when you haven't got a thing, that's the Lord's test.
Mahalia JacksonRead
Charting is a little like surfing. You dont have to know a lot about the physics of tides, resonance, and fluid dynamics in order to catch a good wave. You just have to be able to sense when its happening and then have the drive to act at the right time.
Ed SeykotaRead
Making mistakes, getting it almost right, and experimenting to see what happens are all part of the process of eventually getting it right.
Jack CanfieldRead