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About this quote

What does it mean?
Talent notices distinctions between things, while genius sees how they connect.
In plain terms
Genius finds unity where talent sees only differences.
What can you take from it?
Look for connections rather than divisions.

Where it applies

  • artistic critique
  • problem solving
  • philosophical discussion

Putting it to work

  • identify patterns
  • connect ideas
  • simplify complex systems

Questions to consider

  • Do you focus more on dividing or uniting?
  • Is unity always the goal?

Another view

Some problems require noticing differences to solve them.

More from William Butler Yeats

  1. I am of a healthy long lived race, and our minds improve with age.

    Permalink to quote #173
  2. Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

    Permalink to quote #175
  3. Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.

    Permalink to quote #172

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