
“Mediocrity can talk, but it is for genius to observe.”
Men of Genius Deficient in Conversation.
Curiosities of Literature (1791–1834)
Isaac D'Israeli, The Curiosities of Literature, "Men of Genius Deficient in Conversation".
Misattributed, Isaac D'Israeli
“Mediocrity can talk, but it is for genius to observe.”
Men of Genius Deficient in Conversation.
Curiosities of Literature (1791–1834)
“In the republic of mediocrity, genius is dangerous.”
“Ridicule is the tribute paid to the genius by the mediocrities”
“Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.”
“Solitude, the safeguard of mediocrity, is to genius the stern friend.”
Culture
1860s, The Conduct of Life (1860)
Napoleon : In His Own Words (1916)
As quoted in Nine Old Men (1936) by Drew Pearson and Robert Sharon Allen, p. 221
Other writings
“Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius.”
Source: The Valley of Fear