Skip to content

Discern Quote by Ambrose Bierce

“Genius - to know without having learned; to draw just conclusions from unknown premises; to discern the soul of things.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
Download Open image
“Genius - to know without having learned; to draw just conclusions from unknown premises; to discern the soul of things.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Devil's Dictionary, 1906

Genius involves intuitive insight that bypasses formal learning, allowing conclusions from unseen premises and grasping the essence of things.

In simple terms: Genius is insight without formal study.

Key Takeaway

Value intuition alongside knowledge.

Themes

intuition insight creativity

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical psychological

When to use this quote

  • problem solving
  • artistic creation
  • scientific research
  • strategic planning

Key Concepts

epistemology cognitive psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does intuition mislead?
  • How to balance intuition with evidence?
A Different Perspective

Intuition can be unreliable without verification.

2.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Ambrose Bierce

Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes

More Discern quotes

Browse all 31 Discern quotes