--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You can perfect genius because genius is…" description: "\"You can perfect genius because genius is not perfection. On his level and his practice and his methodology, it's almost inhuman. So, that's been a fant..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4aa/benedict-cumberbatch-1156_arcs_you-can-perfect-genius-because-genius-is_1433284.jpg" --- # You can perfect genius because genius is not perfection… ![“You can perfect genius because genius is not perfection. On his level and his practice and his methodology, it's almost inhuman. So, that's been a fantastic arc to play, and boy does it go somewhere in this series.” quote by Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4aa/benedict-cumberbatch-1156_arcs_you-can-perfect-genius-because-genius-is_1433284.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4aa/benedict-cumberbatch-1156_arcs_you-can-perfect-genius-because-genius-is_1433284.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4aa/benedict-cumberbatch-1156_arcs_you-can-perfect-genius-because-genius-is_1433284.jpg) > “You can perfect genius because genius is not perfection. On his level and his practice and his methodology, it's almost inhuman. So, that's been a fantastic arc to play, and boy does it go somewhere in this series.” [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He describes genius as a relentless, non‑human level of practice, not perfection, and sees it as a compelling arc in a series. **In simple terms:** Genius is relentless effort, not flawless output. Key Takeaway Pursue disciplined practice over perfection. Themes excellence discipline creative process perfectionism growth Mood inspirational reflective analytical Type personal professional When to use this quote - acting workshops - skill training - creative projects - long‑term series development Key Concepts psychology of talent mastery artistic development Questions to Reflect On - What habits cultivate your own ‘genius’ arc? - How do you handle imperfection in creative work? A Different Perspective Perfection can stifle innovation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Boys](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boys/) [Fantastic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fantastic/) [Genius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/genius/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Methodology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/methodology/) [Perfection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perfection/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Practice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/practice/) ## Related quotes > [Some people have a perfect genius for doing nothing, and doing it assiduously.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-chandler-haliburton/some-people-have-a-perfect-genius-for-doing-nothing-and-doing-it/) [Thomas Chandler Haliburton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-chandler-haliburton/) > [The principal mark of genius is not perfection, but originality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-principal-mark-of-genius-is-not-perfection-but-originality/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Men give me credit for some genius. All the genius I have lies in this; when I have a subject in hand, I study…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-hamilton/men-give-me-credit-for-some-genius-all-the-genius-i-have-lies-in-this/) [Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-hamilton/) > [Genius can do much, but even genius falls short of the actuality of a single human life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hamilton-wright-mabie/genius-can-do-much-but-even-genius-falls-short-of-the-actuality-of-a/) [Hamilton Wright Mabie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hamilton-wright-mabie/) > [Every child is in a way a genius; and every genius is in a way a child.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arthur-schopenhauer/every-child-is-in-a-way-a-genius-and-every-genius-is-in-a-way-a-child/) [Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arthur-schopenhauer/) > [What might be taken for a precocious genius is the genius of childhood. When the child grows up, it disappears without a trace. It…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pablo-picasso/what-might-be-taken-for-a-precocious-genius-is-the-genius-of/) [Pablo Picasso](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pablo-picasso/) > [“Talent or skill wasn't how you recognized a genius. A genius was the person giving the world the eff-you salute while doing the impossible.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rae-mariz/talent-or-skill-wasn-t-how-you-recognized-a-genius-a-genius-was-the/) [Rae Mariz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rae-mariz/) > [The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-difference-between-stupidity-and-genius-is-that-genius-has-its/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“The humorous self-sufficiency of genius is the unity of a modest resignation in the world and a proud elevation above the world: of being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/s-ren-kierkegaard/the-humorous-self-sufficiency-of-genius-is-the-unity-of-a-modest/) [Søren Kierkegaard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/s-ren-kierkegaard/) > [“I never worried about the genius: genius takes care of the genius in a man. My concern was always for the nobody, the man…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-miller/i-never-worried-about-the-genius-genius-takes-care-of-the-genius-in-a/) [Henry Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-miller/) > [I've never met a genius. A genius to me is someone who does well at something he hates. Anybody can do well at something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clint-eastwood/i-ve-never-met-a-genius-a-genius-to-me-is-someone-who-does-well-at/) [Clint Eastwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clint-eastwood/) > [Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-theismann/nobody-in-football-should-be-called-a-genius-a-genius-is-a-guy-like/) [Joe Theismann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-theismann/) > [Some were brilliant bordering on genius. Others, genius bordering on madness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erich-segal/some-were-brilliant-bordering-on-genius-others-genius-bordering-on/) [Erich Segal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erich-segal/) > [The genius is a genius by the first look he casts on any object. Is his eye creative? Does he not rest in angles…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/the-genius-is-a-genius-by-the-first-look-he-casts-on-any-object-is/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [For a genius to be a genius, he must have a selfless slave between himself and the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dawn-powell/for-a-genius-to-be-a-genius-he-must-have-a-selfless-slave-between/) [Dawn Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dawn-powell/) ## More by Benedict Cumberbatch > [We should have a conversation when we hang up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/we-should-have-a-conversation-when-we-hang-up/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [It's the same thing, I think, whether it's breathing or meditation or yoga. And running is a great way of doing it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/it-s-the-same-thing-i-think-whether-it-s-breathing-or-meditation-or/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [Being someone who is of our sensual reality, Stephen Strange has a lifestyle, he has a sexuality, he's materialistic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/being-someone-who-is-of-our-sensual-reality-stephen-strange-has-a/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [If you have an over-preoccupation with perception and trying to please people's expectations, then you can go mad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/if-you-have-an-over-preoccupation-with-perception-and-trying-to/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [Being on set is quite difficult, because it's so big and you've got to try and relax, which isn't easy when you know you're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/being-on-set-is-quite-difficult-because-it-s-so-big-and-you-ve-got-to/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [I know that might sound perverse because I played Julian Assange but, honestly, I don't think it would be fair for me to judge…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/i-know-that-might-sound-perverse-because-i-played-julian-assange-but/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [Maybe it's just getting older, but I don't want to miss things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/maybe-it-s-just-getting-older-but-i-don-t-want-to-miss-things/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [I think playing any iconic role when you're stepping into big shoes, into the shadow of people who have come before you and you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/i-think-playing-any-iconic-role-when-you-re-stepping-into-big-shoes/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [ \[While voicing cartoons\] you have to lose your sanity and inhibitions and any kind of dignity and just throw yourself around a bit. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/while-voicing-cartoons-you-have-to-lose-your-sanity-and-inhibitions/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [I'm not very geeky. I'm quite homespun. I would say I'm more modern rustic than gadget-orientated. I like woollen things and log fires and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/i-m-not-very-geeky-i-m-quite-homespun-i-would-say-i-m-more-modern/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [This is an odd profession, and sometimes people get jealous, but I haven't really experienced any of that. Everyone's been really happy for me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/this-is-an-odd-profession-and-sometimes-people-get-jealous-but-i/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [I can feel infinitely alive curled up on the sofa reading a book.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/i-can-feel-infinitely-alive-curled-up-on-the-sofa-reading-a-book/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [I think with any characterization there's a point where you empathize, no matter how much of a deviance his or her actions may be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/i-think-with-any-characterization-there-s-a-point-where-you-empathize/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [When are you ever settled enough to have kids?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/when-are-you-ever-settled-enough-to-have-kids/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) > [You have to sometimes just run with the problem rather than trying to solve it with hi-tech wizardry and lots of planning.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benedict-cumberbatch/you-have-to-sometimes-just-run-with-the-problem-rather-than-trying-to/) [Benedict Cumberbatch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) [Explore all 281 Benedict Cumberbatch quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benedict-cumberbatch/) ## More Arcs quotes > [It's a challenge to work a character's arc into a format in which you only have a very limited amount of time to grow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ginnifer-goodwin/it-s-a-challenge-to-work-a-character-s-arc-into-a-format-in-which-you/) [Ginnifer Goodwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ginnifer-goodwin/) > [Through the music I hope to give it an arc that gives it a greater sense of a journey through the set rather than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gotye/through-the-music-i-hope-to-give-it-an-arc-that-gives-it-a-greater/) [Gotye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gotye/) > [Because we grew up surrounded by big dramatic story arcs in books and movies, we think our lives are supposed to be filled with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kurt-vonnegut/because-we-grew-up-surrounded-by-big-dramatic-story-arcs-in-books-and/) [Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-vonnegut/) > [Joan of Arc should be played as a "pain in the ass" and how do I know she was a "pain in the ass"?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-clurman/joan-of-arc-should-be-played-as-a-pain-in-the-ass-and-how-do-i-know/) [Harold Clurman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-clurman/) > [When in doubt, the rule of threes is a rule that plays well with all of storytelling. When describing a thing? No more than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-wendig/when-in-doubt-the-rule-of-threes-is-a-rule-that-plays-well-with-all/) [Chuck Wendig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-wendig/) > [Sanchez looked at me and we locked eyes a second too long. There was nothing I could do about it. The signal went out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/sanchez-looked-at-me-and-we-locked-eyes-a-second-too-long-there-was/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [When we are young, we spend much time and pains in filling our note-books with all definitions of Religion, Love, Poetry, Politics, Art, in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ralph-waldo-emerson/when-we-are-young-we-spend-much-time-and-pains-in-filling-our-note/) [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) > [I suppose that, for me at least, the biggest difference betweenThe Gunslinger Born and the next two story arcs (The Long Road Home and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-furth/i-suppose-that-for-me-at-least-the-biggest-difference-betweenthe/) [Robin Furth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-furth/) > [We've got this arc of instability from North Africa to South Asia, and we have to pay close attention to it. And we have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/we-ve-got-this-arc-of-instability-from-north-africa-to-south-asia-and/) [Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/) > [I do not pretend to understand the moral universe; the arc is a long one. . . . But from what I see I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodore-parker/i-do-not-pretend-to-understand-the-moral-universe-the-arc-is-a-long/) [Theodore Parker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodore-parker/) > [I think every woman character, every female character, has her own arc.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/katheryn-winnick/i-think-every-woman-character-every-female-character-has-her-own-arc/) [Katheryn Winnick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/katheryn-winnick/) > [I am committed now to one thing: lyric sequences. I want the intensity of lyric, but the scope and arc of narrative. so, I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gregory-orr/i-am-committed-now-to-one-thing-lyric-sequences-i-want-the-intensity/) [Gregory Orr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-orr/) > [We must move forward in the days ahead with audacious faith. The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends toward justice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/we-must-move-forward-in-the-days-ahead-with-audacious-faith-the-moral/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [Most games follow a real railroad plot, no matter what you want, you're following their storyline to its unavoidable conclusion. I'd like to write…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-rothfuss/most-games-follow-a-real-railroad-plot-no-matter-what-you-want-you-re/) [Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/patrick-rothfuss/) > [Arc, amplitude, and curvature sustain a similar relation to each other as time, motion, and velocity, or as volume, mass, and density.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-friedrich-gauss/arc-amplitude-and-curvature-sustain-a-similar-relation-to-each-other/) [Carl Friedrich Gauss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-friedrich-gauss/) Browse all 250 Arcs quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "You can perfect genius because genius is not perfection. On his level and his practice and his methodology, it's almost inhuman. 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