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About this quote

What does it mean?
Great souls often have some madness mixed in.
In plain terms
Excellent people sometimes show signs of madness.
What can you take from it?
Tolerate eccentricity in great people.

Where it applies

  • teamwork
  • leadership
  • creative work

Putting it to work

  • value diverse minds
  • allow creative chaos

Questions to consider

  • Does genius need madness?
  • How do you spot balance?

Another view

Madness can be harmful rather than linked to excellence.

More from Aristotle

  1. My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.

    Permalink to quote #120
  2. No notice is taken of a little evil, but when it increases it strikes the eye.

    Permalink to quote #122
  3. Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.

    Permalink to quote #119

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