QuoteProject
...I have always maintained that, excepting fools, men did not differ much in intellect, only in zeal and hard work; and I still think there is an eminently important difference.
Charles Darwin
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Intellect varies little among men; the key distinctions lie in their passion and effort.

In this quote, Charles Darwin suggests that the differences in intelligence among individuals are minimal. Instead, what truly sets people apart is their level of enthusiasm and dedication to their pursuits, implying that hard work and passion are significant determinants of success and achievement.

Themes

IntellectZealHard WorkSuccessDedication

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech for students emphasizing the importance of effort over natural talent.

More from Charles Darwin

Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
Charles DarwinRead
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
Charles DarwinRead
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead

Similar quotes

Quiet people have the loudest minds.
Stephen HawkingRead
By surviving passages of doubt and depression on the vocational journey, I have become clear about at least one thing: self-care is never a selfish act -- it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do so not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.
Parker J. PalmerRead
An unreflective mind is a poor roof. Passion, like the rain, floods the house. But if the roof is strong, there is shelter. Whoever follows impure thoughts Suffers in this world and the next. In both worlds he suffers And how greatly.
Gautama BuddhaRead
At times God's best pupils experience the most rigorous and continuous courses. Eventually those who prove to be men of Christ will thereby become distinguished alumni of life's school of affliction, graduating with honors.
Neal A. MaxwellRead
The greatest strength any human being an have is to recognize his or her own weaknesses. When you identify your weaknesses, you can begin to remedy them - or at least figure out how to work around them.
Pat SummittRead
Constant dripping hollows out a stone.
LucretiusRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.