...That genius is a rare exception (:) It's not true. Talent and genius have been wasted on enormous scale throughout our history; this is all I know for sure.
Interpretation
Genius is often underestimated and can go unrecognized throughout history, indicating the loss of valuable talent.
Eric Hoffer highlights that the societal perception of genius as a rare occurrence is misleading. He argues that throughout history, many talented individuals may have never had their abilities recognized or utilized, suggesting that the potential for greatness exists in many but is often left unexplored or unappreciated.
In practice
During a speech about the importance of nurturing talent, one might quote Hoffer to emphasize how society often overlooks gifted individuals.
Language was invented to ask questions. Answers may be given by grunts and gestures, but questions must be spoken. Humanness came of age when man asked the first question. Social stagnation results not from a lack of answers but from the absence of the impulse to ask questions.
Faith in humanity, in posterity, in the destiny of one's religion, nation, race, party or family-what is it but the visualization of that eternal something to which we attach the self that is about to be annihilated?
You can discover what your enemy fears most by observing the means he uses to frighten you.
Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.
Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about.
Perhaps a modern society can remain stable only by eliminating adolescence, by giving its young, from the age of ten, the skills, responsibilities, and rewards of grownups, and opportunities for action in all spheres of life. Adolescence should be a time of useful action, while book learning and scholarship should be a preoccupation of adults.
I'm not wise, but the beginning of wisdom is there; it's like relaxing into - and an acceptance of - things.
Don't join the book burners. Do not think you are going to conceal thoughts by concealing evidence that they ever existed.
The scornful nostril and the high head gather not the odors that lie on the track of truth.
Meditation has only one meaning, and that is going beyond the mind and becoming a witness. In your witnessing is the miracle - the whole mystery of life
If you have to prove a theorem, do not rush. First of all, understand fully what the theorem says, try to see clearly what it means. Then check the theorem; it could be false. Examine the consequences, verify as many particular instances as are needed to convince yourself of the truth. When you have satisfied yourself that the theorem is true, you can start proving it.
If standard of living is your major objective, quality of life almost never improves, but if quality of life is your number one objective, your standard of living almost always improves.
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