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About this quote

What does it mean?
True talent or genius requires a certain level of seriousness or dignity; casual or sloppy attire undermines the perception of intellectual or artistic depth.
In plain terms
You can't be seen as a genius if you look sloppy.
What can you take from it?
Present yourself with dignity to be taken seriously.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • artistic presentation
  • professional settings

Putting it to work

  • dress professionally
  • maintain poise

Questions to consider

  • Does attire affect how you judge talent?
  • How important is presentation in your field?

Another view

Appearance does not always correlate with actual ability or intelligence.

More from Buster Keaton

  1. Charlie Chaplin and I would have a friendly contest: Who could do the feature film with the least subtitles?

    Permalink to quote #4
  2. Think slow, act fast.

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. If one more person tells me this is just like old times, I swear I'll jump out the window.

    Permalink to quote #3

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