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About this quote

What does it mean?
Goodness is rare even among exceptional people, let alone geniuses.
In plain terms
Good people are rare, even among geniuses.
What can you take from it?
Do not assume talent implies moral character.

Where it applies

  • leadership selection
  • team dynamics
  • historical assessment

Putting it to work

  • evaluate character separately
  • expect flaws in talent
  • prioritize integrity

Questions to consider

  • Is talent a shield against accountability?
  • Can greatness coexist with goodness?

Another view

This generalization ignores many morally great contributors.

More from Cesare Lombroso

  1. The ignorant man always adores what he cannot understand.

    Permalink to quote #6
  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. Genius is one of the many forms of insanity.

    Permalink to quote #4

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