Simone de Beauvoir on genius

One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.

Society cares about the individual only in so far as he is profitable. The young know this. Their anxiety as they enter in upon social life matches the anguish of the old as they are excluded from it.

There is only one good. And that is to act according to the dictates of one’s conscience.

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