Joseph Addison on genius

To be an atheist requires an infinitely greater measure of faith than to receive all the great truths which atheism would deny.

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.

Ridicule is generally made use of to laugh men out of virtue and good sense, by attacking everything praiseworthy in human life.

Not great understanding alone, not intelligence alone, nor both together, make genius. Love! Love! Love! that is the soul of genius.

Genius without education is like silver in the mine.

Benjamin Franklin1706–1790Poor Richard’s Almanack

• Education

Genius is one per cent inspiration, ninety-nine per cent perspiration.

Thomas Edison1847–1931