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Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb Colton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Moderation is essential for wisdom, while genius often ignores it.

This quote suggests that true wisdom involves the practice of moderation, as it helps us navigate life thoughtfully and carefully. In contrast, genius, which may be characterized by exceptional talent or creativity, often does not operate within the bounds of moderation, indicating that brilliant ideas and innovations may come from a place of extremes rather than balanced reasoning.

Themes

ModerationWisdomGeniusBalanceKnowledge

In practice

Example use cases

A motivational speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of balance in life during a conference.

More from Charles Caleb Colton

Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
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It is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
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The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
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Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
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Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
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There are three kinds of praise, that which we yield, that which we lend, and that which we pay. We yield it to the powerful from fear, we lend it to the weak from interest, and we pay it to the deserving from gratitude.
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