Denis Diderot on genius

Patriotism is an ephemeral motive that scarcely ever outlasts the particular threat to society that aroused it.

Scepticism is the first step towards truth.

Poetry must have something in it that is barbaric, vast and wild.

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