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About this quote

What does it mean?
Genius is often just the public label for extensive private work.
In plain terms
People call it genius because they do not see the labor involved.
What can you take from it?
Hard work is often mistaken for innate genius by observers.

Where it applies

  • evaluating others' success
  • understanding expertise
  • public praise

Putting it to work

  • look past labels to see effort
  • value practice over innate talent

Questions to consider

  • Do you underestimate the work behind success?
  • What is your definition of genius?

Another view

Some people do possess innate abilities beyond effort.

More from Michelangelo Buonarroti

  1. If people knew how hard I had to work to gain my mastery, it would not seem so wonderful at all.

    Permalink to quote #5
  2. As when, O lady mine! With chiselled touch The stone unhewn and cold Becomes a living mould. The more the marble wastes, The more the statue grows.

    Permalink to quote #7
  3. I was never the kind of painter or sculptor who kept a shop.

    Permalink to quote #4

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