Genius, all over the world, stands hand in hand, and one shock of recognition runs the whole circle round.
Interpretation
Genius connects people globally, creating a shared understanding and appreciation of creativity and intellect.
This quote by Herman Melville suggests that genius is a universal trait that transcends borders and cultural differences. It emphasizes the idea that when brilliant minds recognize each other, there is a collective acknowledgment of understanding and creativity that unites them, creating a sense of community among the intellectually gifted.
In practice
During a panel discussion on innovation, one might refer to this quote to highlight the importance of collaboration among brilliant minds.
A good laugh is a mighty good thing, and rather too scarce a good thing; the more's the pity. So, if any one man, in his own proper person, afford stuff for a good joke to anybody, let him not be backward, but let him cheerfully allow himself to spend and be spent in that way. And the man that has anything bountifully laughable about him, be sure there is more in that man than you perhaps think for.
The Marquesan girls dance all over; not only do their feet dance, but their arms, hands, fingers, ay, their very eyes seem to dance in their heads.
Dream tonight of peacock tails, Diamond fields and spouter whales. Ills are many, blessing few, But dreams tonight will shelter you.
Why did the old Persians hold the sea holy? Why did the Greeks give it a separate deity, and own brother Jove? Surely all this is not without meaning. And still deeper the meaning of that story of Narcissus, who because he could not grasp the tormenting mild image he saw in the fountain, plunged into it and was drowned. But that same image, we ourselves see in all rivers and oceans. It is the image of the ungraspable phantom of life; and this is the key to it all.
If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how then with deadlier facts, not dreams of doting men? Those whom books will hurt will not be proof against events. Events, not books should be forbid.
You cannot spill a drop of American blood without spilling the blood of the whole world.... We are not a nation, so much as a world.
You have to understand the good in things, to detect the real evil.
Happy is the man who can endure the highest and lowest fortune. He who has endured such vicissitudes with equanimity has deprived misfortune of its power.
I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.
The mark of a master is to select only a few moments, but give us a lifetime.
I must congratulate myself, in passing, for never having lost the ability to examine my conscience, never having lost the gift of finding myself wanting & defective. Why fear the criticism of others when you, yourself, are first out of the critical gate? If self-denigration is the race I am the winner, even before the starting gun. Collect the bets.
There is a great line of women stretching out behind you into the past, and you have to seek them out and find them in yourself and be conscious of them.
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