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About this quote

What does it mean?
Genius can thrive without training, yet it still benefits from nurturing and refinement.
In plain terms
Even natural talent needs care and shaping.
What can you take from it?
Support talent with guidance and practice.

Where it applies

  • in education
  • in artistic mentorship

Putting it to work

  • offer mentorship
  • provide resources

Questions to consider

  • How much does training matter for talent?
  • What does 'watering‑pot' symbolize?

Another view

It may overstate innate ability, ignoring that many succeed mainly through effort.

More from Margaret Fuller

  1. The use of criticism, in periodical writing, is to sift, not to stamp a work.

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  2. Very early, I knew that the only object in life was to grow.

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  3. Were the destiny of woman thus exactly marked out, did she invariably retain the shelter of a parent's or guardian's roof till she married, did marriage give h…

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