we are sensible of a knack and skill rather than of inspiration
 Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Over-Soul (1841). copy citation

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Author Ralph Waldo Emerson
Source The Over-Soul
Topic inspiration skill
Date 1841
Language English
Reference in "Essays: First Series"
Note
Weblink https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Essays:_First_Series/The_Over-Soul

Context

“Much of the wisdom of the world is not wisdom, and the most illuminated class of men are no doubt superior to literary fame, and are not writers. Among the multitude of scholars and authors, we feel no hallowing presence; we are sensible of a knack and skill rather than of inspiration; they have a light, and know not whence it comes, and call it their own; their talent is some exaggerated faculty, some overgrown member, so that their strength is a disease. In these instances the intellectual gifts do not make the impression of virtue, but almost of vice;” source