“ When a man lacks a particular talent, he indemnifies himself by despising it ”
Montesquieu, Persian Letters (1721). copy citation
| Author | Montesquieu |
|---|---|
| Source | Persian Letters |
| Topic | talent despise |
| Date | 1721 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by John Davidson |
| Weblink | https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Persian_Letters |
Context
“and he in his turn is looked upon as a visionary by the possessor of a good memory.
As for those who profess haughty ignorance, they would have all mankind buried in the same oblivion as themselves.
When a man lacks a particular talent, he indemnifies himself by despising it: he removes the impediment between him and merit; and in that way finds himself on a level with those of whose works he formerly stood in awe.
Lastly, an author requires in pursuit of an equivocal reputation to abstain from all pleasure and sacrifice his health.”
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