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About this quote

What does it mean?
Great minds have moments of lightness or distraction even as they achieve high things.
In plain terms
Smart people have serious goals but also playful or wandering moments.
What can you take from it?
Accept that excellent minds need rest or play.

Where it applies

  • work
  • creative pursuits
  • leadership

Putting it to work

  • allow playtime
  • value human flaws
  • avoid burnout

Questions to consider

  • Why do excellent minds stray?
  • How do you handle your own distractions?

Another view

Distraction can also harm productivity in critical moments.

More from Joseph Joubert

  1. There is a physical weakness which stems from mental ability, and a mental weakness which comes from physical ability.

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  2. There is an admiration which is the daughter of knowledge.

    Permalink to quote #75
  3. There are some minds like either convex or concave mirrors, which represent objects such as they receive them, but never receive them as they are.

    Permalink to quote #72

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