Be warned in time, James, and remain, as I, do, incomprehensible: to be great is to be misunderstood.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Greatness often leads to misunderstanding, warning James to expect that being exceptional can make others fail to grasp you.
- In plain terms
- Being great often means being misunderstood.
- What can you take from it?
- Expect misunderstanding when you aim high.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why are great ideas misunderstood?
- How can you reduce misinterpretation?
Another view
Misunderstanding can also stem from ego, not just brilliance.
More from Oscar Wilde
And down the long and silent street, The dawn, with silver-sandalled feet, Crept like a frightened girl.
Permalink to quote #6 A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.
Permalink to quote #8 Appearance blinds, whereas words reveal.
Permalink to quote #5
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