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About this quote

What does it mean?
Being laughed at doesn't make someone a genius; history includes both innovators and clowns who were mocked.
In plain terms
Mockery proves nothing about merit.
What can you take from it?
Laughter isn't proof of genius.

Where it applies

  • criticism
  • innovation
  • public speaking

Putting it to work

  • ignore mockery
  • focus on merit

Questions to consider

  • How do you know if you're a genius?
  • Does rejection prove anything?

Another view

Mockery often targets valid ideas too.

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