“Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped.”
“b. The Difference between a Genius and an Apostle. by H. H.”
1840s, Two Ethical-Religious Minor Essays (1849)
“The difference between insanity and genius is measured only by success and failure.”
“Madness is the genius’ substitute for stupidity.”
Ron English's Fauxlosophy (2016)
As Quote Investigator explains, allegories about animals doing impossible things have been incredibly popular in the past century. But no, this one isn't from Einstein. (Source: http://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/04/06/fish-climb/.)
Misattributed
Variant: Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
“There is no such thing as an evil genius, as evil in it's self is stupidity.”
Source: The Wizard of Ooze
“For a genius thief you really are a stupid girl aren't you?”
Source: Uncommon Criminals
Source: Little Women (1868), Ch. 22 : Artistic Attempts
"The Modern Drama" in Art, Literature and the Drama (1858).
