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About this quote

What does it mean?
Genius and insanity share similar traits, suggesting they may be related states of mind.
In plain terms
Genius looks a lot like insanity.
What can you take from it?
Recognize that brilliance can look like madness to others.

Where it applies

  • innovation
  • artistic creation
  • workplace dynamics

Putting it to work

  • tolerate unconventional thinking
  • support creative minds
  • avoid stigmatizing

Questions to consider

  • Is creativity inherently risky?
  • Where is the line between brilliance and madness?

Another view

Equating genius with insanity can stigmatize mental health issues.

More from Cesare Lombroso

  1. 'Lawsuit mania'...a continual craving to go to law against others, while considering themselves the injured party.

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  2. Good sense travels on the well-worn paths; genius, never. And that is why the crowd, not altogether without reason, is so ready to treat great men as lunatics.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. The appearance of a single great genius is more than equivalent to the birth of a hundred mediocrities.

    Permalink to quote #2

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