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About this quote

What does it mean?
Genius is marked by originality and opening new frontiers, not by flawless execution.
In plain terms
Originality defines genius more than perfection.
What can you take from it?
Pursue novel ideas rather than flawless polish.

Where it applies

  • entrepreneurship
  • artistic creation

Putting it to work

  • experiment boldly
  • accept imperfections

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance originality with quality?
  • When is perfection preferable?

Another view

Originality without substance may not be valuable.

More from Arthur Koestler

  1. 'Scientists are peeping toms at the keyhole of eternity.'

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  2. 'True creativity often starts where language ends.'

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  3. 'Politics can be relatively fair in the breathing spaces of history; at its critical turning points there is no other rule possible than the old one, that the …

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