QuoteProject
Everybody hates a prodigy, detests an old head on young shoulders.
Desiderius Erasmus
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

People often resent those who show exceptional talent or wisdom at a young age.

This quote by Desiderius Erasmus suggests that society frequently disapproves of prodigies, or exceptionally talented individuals, particularly when they exhibit wisdom or maturity beyond their years. It highlights the discomfort that can arise when youth challenges established norms, as older individuals may feel threatened or envious of the young person's capabilities and insights.

Themes

ProdigyYouthWisdomResentmentSociety

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about young entrepreneurs facing skepticism.

More from Desiderius Erasmus

The entire world is my temple, and a very fine one too, if I'm not mistaken, and I'll never lack priests to serve it as long as there are men.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
[N]o party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
Fortune favours the audacious.
Desiderius ErasmusRead

Similar quotes

You have to be willing to grow. Growth is different from something that happens to you: You produce it. You live it. The prerequisites for growth are the openness to experience events and the willingness to be changed by them.
Bruce MauRead
I became acquainted with those martyrs whose behavior in camp, whose suffering and death, bore witness to the fact that the last inner freedom cannot be lost.
Viktor E. FranklRead
When we fight back with joy, we awaken to the deepest reality of our identity as beloved, delightful children of God.
Margaret FeinbergRead
True genius resides in the capacity for evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and conflicting information.
Winston ChurchillRead
Do you prefer that you be right or happy?
Norman CousinsRead
Meditation is to be aware of every thought and of every feeling, never to say it is right or wrong, but just to watch it and move with it. In that watching, you begin to understand the whole movement of thought and feeling. And out of this awareness comes silence.
Jiddu KrishnamurtiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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

Quote by Desiderius Erasmus | QuoteProject