Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Time, place, and action may with pains be wrought, but genius must be born; and never can be taught.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Genius is innate and cannot be taught like skills or actions that can be learned over time.
This quote emphasizes the belief that while circumstances like time, place, and actions can be influenced or developed through effort, true genius is a natural gift that one is born with. It suggests that creative brilliance is not something that can be instilled through education or practice, but rather, it is an inherent quality that some individuals possess.
Themes
GeniusTalentEducationInspirationCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about talent vs. hard work, you might quote this to emphasize the unique nature of genius.
More from John Dryden
All quotes βOf no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
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Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
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John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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