The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Intelligent people find most things absurd; sensible people find few.
- In plain terms
- Smart people see more absurdity than practical people.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance intellect with practicality to avoid cynicism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When has your intelligence led you to dismiss useful ideas?
- How can you stay grounded while thinking critically?
Another view
Seeing absurdity can spark innovation.
More from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The first and last thing required of genius is the love of truth.
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