Whatever else he was during his life, he was never dull, and the world forgives almost anything but stupidity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Being engaging is valued while stupidity is rarely forgiven.
- In plain terms
- The world forgives flaws but not boredom.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid dullness to gain forgiveness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you avoid dullness?
- What does the world forgive?
Another view
Kindness may matter more than wit.
More from Clarence Darrow
The usual is always mediocre. When nature takes it into her head to make a man, she fits him with her own equipment and educates him in her own school.
Permalink to quote #27 Voltaire was not the first or last man to convert a prison into a hall of fame. A prison is confining to the body, but whether it affects the mind, depends ent…
Permalink to quote #29 Even Voltaire's father could not make a lawyer out of a genius. To be a good lawyer, one must have a mind and a disposition to venerate the past; a respect for…
Permalink to quote #26
Related quotes
Only the brave know how to forgive...A coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.
Laurence SterneLaurence Sterne quote #1 On their own merits modest men are dumb.
George, the Younger ColmanGeorge, the Younger Colman quote #1 A wikked tonge wol alway deme amis.
John LydgateJohn Lydgate quote #1