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About this quote

What does it mean?
Niemetschek notes Mozart's ordinary appearance hid a rare artistic genius, visible only in his eyes.
In plain terms
He looked normal but had extraordinary talent inside.
What can you take from it?
True genius often hides behind modest appearances.

Where it applies

  • biographies
  • first impressions
  • character studies

Putting it to work

  • writing profiles
  • observation exercises

Questions to consider

  • Do you judge talent by outward signs?

Another view

Judging by appearance is subjective and often inaccurate.

More from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  1. Mozart wrote everything with such ease and speed as might at first be taken for carelessness or haste. His imagination held before him the whole work clear and…

    Permalink to quote #71
  2. Mozart was able to do what he wished in music and he never wished to do what was beyond him. ~ Romain Rolland

    Permalink to quote #73
  3. Mozart is happiness before it has gotten defined. ~ Arthur Miller

    Permalink to quote #70

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