When a genius appears in the world, you can recognize him by this sign: all the blockheads unite against him.
When a genius appears in the world, you can recognize him by this sign: all the blockheads unite against him.
This quote suggests that when a truly brilliant individual, or genius, emerges in society, they often face opposition and criticism from those who are less enlightened or understanding—referred to here as "blockheads." The idea is that the brilliance of the genius challenges the status quo, provoking fear, confusion, or resentment among those who do not grasp their ideas or contributions. This collective resistance from those who are unable to appreciate the genius’s insights serves as a hallmark of their exceptional nature. In essence, the quote highlights the difficulties that innovators and visionaries may encounter when their groundbreaking thoughts disrupt conventional beliefs or practices.
Quote By: Jonathan Swift