I have seldom known a man cunning with his brush who was not simple with his tongue; or, indeed, any skill in particular that was not allied to general stupidity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Hardy notes a pattern where skilled artisans or experts often lack social grace or common sense.
- In plain terms
- People good at one specific skill are often foolish in other ways.
- What can you take from it?
- Specialized talent often comes with generalized dullness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does skill in one area distract from others?
- Is ignorance common among experts?
Another view
It relies on anecdotal generalization rather than evidence.
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