Famous quote by William Gilmore Simms

"Genius is the very eye of intellect and the wing of thought; it is always in advance of its time, and is the pioneer for the generation which it precedes"

About this Quote

Genius represents the epitome of human intellect, serving as both the discerning eye and the vehicle of thought. When William Gilmore Simms refers to genius as “the very eye of intellect,” he suggests that true genius possesses a unique vision, an ability to perceive truths and possibilities that remain hidden from ordinary understanding. Unlike routine intelligence, genius sees beyond the present landscape, identifying patterns, connections, and meanings that others might overlook. It scrutinizes reality with exceptional clarity and insight, distinguishing what is valuable or novel from what is mundane.

By declaring genius the “wing of thought,” Simms evokes imagery of flight, soaring above the constraints of conventional wisdom and established norms. Thought, propelled by genius, transcends boundaries and covers new intellectual terrain. This metaphor accentuates creativity and the capacity for discovery, painting genius as something dynamic, always in motion, always pushing the limits of what is known or possible.

Genius exists ahead of its era, not content to reside within the prevailing frameworks of its time. It often embodies ideas, inventions, or artistic expressions that society may not yet fully comprehend or accept. Thus, genius frequently feels alien or misunderstood, as it articulates the sensibilities of tomorrow in a language foreign to today. By positioning genius as “the pioneer for the generation which it precedes,” Simms underscores its role as a trailblazer. Like pioneers forging paths through uncharted wilderness, geniuses open new directions for humanity, laying the groundwork for progress, innovation, and cultural transformation.

The portrait of genius painted here is both admirable and solitary. It highlights the courage and vision required to challenge orthodoxy, but also the burden of seeing further and thinking deeper than others around it. Ultimately, the passage pays tribute to those rare figures whose intellects illuminate and prepare the path for future generations.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by William Gilmore Simms. He/she was a famous Novelist from USA. The author also have 11 other quotes.
Go to author profile

Similar Quotes