Quote#Art
A man of remarkable genius may afford to pass by a piece of wit, if…
Quote byWilliam Shenstone · 1714–1763
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Essays on Men and Manners (1764), "On Politics", p. 98..
English (original)
A man of remarkable genius may afford to pass by a piece of wit, if it happens to border on abuse. A little genius is obliged to catch at every witticism indiscriminately.
— William Shenstone
More from William Shenstone
A little bench of heedless bishops here, And there a chancellor in embryo.
Love is a pleasing, but a various clime!
Her cap, far whiter than the driven snow, Emblem right meet of decency does yield.
Oft has good-nature been the fool's defence, And honest meaning gilded want of sense.
Pun-provoking thyme.
I trimm'd my lamp, consumed the midnight oil.