If only a man is a gentleman, all the rest can be gained by talents, learning, good sense, genius.
 Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment (1867). copy citation

add
Author Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Source Crime and Punishment
Topic genius learning
Date 1867
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by Constance Garnett
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2554/2554-h/2554-h.htm

Context

“Mercy on us! What literary or scientific man does not begin by some originality of conduct! My wife and I have the greatest respect for literature, in my wife it’s a genuine passion! Literature and art! If only a man is a gentleman, all the rest can be gained by talents, learning, good sense, genius. As for a hat—well, what does a hat matter? I can buy a hat as easily as I can a bun; but what’s under the hat, what the hat covers, I can’t buy that! I was even meaning to come and apologise to you, but thought maybe you’d...” source