Do not talk about giftedness, inborn talents! One can assume great men of all kinds who were very little gifted. They acquired greatness, became "geniuses" (as we put it), through qualities the lack of which no one who knew what they were would boast of: they all possessed that seriousness of the efficient workman which first learns to construct the parts properly before it ventures to fashion a great whole; they allowed themselves time for it, because they took more pleasure in making the little, secondary things well than in the effect of a dazzling whole.

Even people who aren't geniuses can outthink the rest of mankind if they develop certain thinking habits.

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction.

The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.

Anyone can make them cry, but it takes a genius to make them laugh.

The promise of this life is imperiled by the very genius that has made it possible.