Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Innovative or exceptional people often face resistance from average minds that prefer conformity over honest expression.
- In plain terms
- Great thinkers face resistance from ordinary people who prefer conformity.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect resistance when you challenge common prejudices honestly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle resistance to your views?
- Is your opinion driven by conscience or convention?
Another view
Not all opposition comes from mediocrity; some comes from valid critique.
More from Albert Einstein
Generations to come, it may well be, will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.
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