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About this quote

What does it mean?
Average people talk a lot, while genius focuses on observation.
In plain terms
Genius watches while others chatter.
What can you take from it?
Listen and observe more than you speak.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • practice active listening
  • reduce unnecessary talk

Questions to consider

  • Do I talk too much?
  • What am I missing by not watching?

Another view

Many great thinkers communicate their ideas clearly and often.

More from Benjamin Disraeli

  1. Let the fear of a danger be a spur to prevent it: he that fears otherwise, gives advantage to the danger.

    Permalink to quote #248
  2. Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit.

    Permalink to quote #250
  3. If it is not necessary to change, it is necessary not to change.

    Permalink to quote #247

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