--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I am not a certified idiot—\" \"Lack of…" description: "\"I am not a certified idiot—\" \"Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence,\" Will muttered.\" — Cassandra Clare" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg" --- # I am not a certified idiot—" "Lack of certification hardly… ![“I am not a certified idiot—" "Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence," Will muttered.” quote by Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg) > “I am not a certified idiot—" "Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence," Will muttered.” [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Self‑deprecating humor highlights that formal credentials don’t equate to intelligence. **In simple terms:** Being smart isn’t about certificates. Key Takeaway Don’t let titles define you. Themes humor self‑esteem knowledge Mood lighthearted witty Type motivational inspirational When to use this quote - job interviews - social media posts - personal growth Key Concepts confidence social perception learning Questions to Reflect On - When have you judged yourself by a label? - How can you value substance over titles? A Different Perspective Humor can mask deeper insecurities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Clockwork](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clockwork/) [Clockwork princess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clockwork-princess/) [Gabriel lightwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gabriel-lightwood/) [Idiot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/idiot/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Princess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/princess/) [Will herondale](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/will-herondale/) ## Related quotes > [“Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence,” Will muttered.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/lack-of-certification-hardly-proves-intelligence-will-muttered/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [I would have thought even a certified idiot like Gabriel here would have taken account of it and notified someone." "Notified who?" asked Jem,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-would-have-thought-even-a-certified-idiot-like-gabriel-here-would/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [If you choose to become a smoker, you are an idiot, and you may lack the discipline and intelligence to be a successful entrepreneur.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gene-simmons/if-you-choose-to-become-a-smoker-you-are-an-idiot-and-you-may-lack/) [Gene Simmons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-simmons/) > [“And I do think it was excessive to hurl him into the canal.' 'He'll float.' The corners of Cecily's mouth twitched. 'It was very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/and-i-do-think-it-was-excessive-to-hurl-him-into-the-canal-he-ll/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“He had been wrong. But he was wrong so often, what was one more time?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/he-had-been-wrong-but-he-was-wrong-so-often-what-was-one-more-time/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Oh, I can never get enough," he said. "Which, incidentally, is what your sister said to me when-" The carriage door flew open. A…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/oh-i-can-never-get-enough-he-said-which-incidentally-is-what-your-2/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“You are a Lightwood," Cecily said. "You stayed because you were loyal to your family name. It is not cowardice." "Wasn't it? Is loyalty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/you-are-a-lightwood-cecily-said-you-stayed-because-you-were-loyal-to/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [A very magnanimous statement, Gideon,” said Magnus. “I’m Gabriel.” Magnus waved a hand. “All Lightwoods look the same to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/a-very-magnanimous-statement-gideon-said-magnus-i-m-gabriel-magnus/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Father . . . ," Gabriel began. "Father is a worm." Will gave a short laugh. He was in gear as if he had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/father-gabriel-began-father-is-a-worm-will-gave-a-short-laugh-he-was/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Nice work in there, Herondale, setting the place on fire,” Gabriel observed. “Good thing we were there to clean up after you, or the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/nice-work-in-there-herondale-setting-the-place-on-fire-gabriel/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Will tossed the bloody cloth aside. “And you wonder why we aren’t friends.” “I just wondered,” Gabriel said, in more subdued voice, “if perhaps…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/will-tossed-the-bloody-cloth-aside-and-you-wonder-why-we-aren-t/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [We are not our parents, Gabriel. We do not have to carry the burden of their choices or their sins.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/we-are-not-our-parents-gabriel-we-do-not-have-to-carry-the-burden-of/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Hmph," she said. "I'd like to see you learn how to manage sitting and standing up straight in stays and petticoats and a dress…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/hmph-she-said-i-d-like-to-see-you-learn-how-to-manage-sitting-and/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Nice work in their, Herondale, setting the place on fire," Gabriel observed. "Good thing we were there to clean up after you, or the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/nice-work-in-their-herondale-setting-the-place-on-fire-gabriel/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Spoon!” James said, running at his uncle Gabriel and jabbing him in the thigh. Gabriel mussed the boy’s hair affectionately. “You’re such a good…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/spoon-james-said-running-at-his-uncle-gabriel-and-jabbing-him-in-the/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) ## More by Cassandra Clare > [Against his own will, almost, Will felt himself understanding; he would have done anything, he thought, told any lie, taken any risk, to make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/against-his-own-will-almost-will-felt-himself-understanding-he-would/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“So Jace is my actual family," Kit said. "But I can't go live with him, because him and his hot girlfriend are going off…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/so-jace-is-my-actual-family-kit-said-but-i-can-t-go-live-with-him/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Clarissa," he said, "here with the vampire, I see. When things have settled a bit, we really must discuss you choice in pets..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/clarissa-he-said-here-with-the-vampire-i-see-when-things-have-settled/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Must I go bound while you go free Must I love a manwho doesn't love me Must I be born with so little art…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/must-i-go-bound-while-you-go-free-must-i-love-a-manwho-doesn-t-love/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [If you're texting Magnus to say 'I think u r kewl,' I'm going to kill you." "Who's Magnus?" Max inquired. "He's a warlock," said…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/if-you-re-texting-magnus-to-say-i-think-u-r-kewl-i-m-going-to-kill/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“they all have always loved you Will Herondale, for you cannot hide what is good about yourself, however har you try.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/they-all-have-always-loved-you-will-herondale-for-you-cannot-hide/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“We work through this together, remember? No shutting me out. No epic sulks.” “I was figuring I could sulk for Idris in the next…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/we-work-through-this-together-remember-no-shutting-me-out-no-epic/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Lex malla, lex nulla,” said Julian with a regretful wave of his hand. It was the Blackthorn family motto: A bad law is no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/lex-malla-lex-nulla-said-julian-with-a-regretful-wave-of-his-hand-it/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Maybe that was why she couldn't cry, she realized, staring dry-eyed at the ceiling. Because what was the point in crying when there was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/maybe-that-was-why-she-couldn-t-cry-she-realized-staring-dry-eyed-at/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [I'm memorable, its true." -Magnus, pg.229-](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-m-memorable-its-true-magnus-pg-229/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“There is more to living than not dying.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/there-is-more-to-living-than-not-dying/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Unless there was a reason for me to stay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/unless-there-was-a-reason-for-me-to-stay/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [Love didn't make you weak, it made you stronger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/love-didn-t-make-you-weak-it-made-you-stronger/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“I wasn’t just worried about him; I was worried about you, too. There’s something so . . . reassuring about you. And Jace is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-wasn-t-just-worried-about-him-i-was-worried-about-you-too-there-s/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [I firmly believe that you can't get a good movie without risking a bad movie.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-firmly-believe-that-you-can-t-get-a-good-movie-without-risking-a/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) [Explore all 4,049 Cassandra Clare quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) ## More Clockwork quotes > [Will closed his eyes. He could not hear Jem go, not anymore; he did not want to know the moment when he left and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/will-closed-his-eyes-he-could-not-hear-jem-go-not-anymore-he-did-not/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [One must always be careful of books,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/one-must-always-be-careful-of-books/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“I am not going to live, and I can choose to be as much for her as I can be, to burn as brightly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-am-not-going-to-live-and-i-can-choose-to-be-as-much-for-her-as-i/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [“Conversationally, I am like a clockwork toy. I have to be set going.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-g-wodehouse/conversationally-i-am-like-a-clockwork-toy-i-have-to-be-set-going/) [P.G. Wodehouse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-g-wodehouse/) > [Great literature has always been written in a like spirit, and is, indeed, the Forgiveness of Sin, and when we find it becoming the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-butler-yeats/great-literature-has-always-been-written-in-a-like-spirit-and-is/) [William Butler Yeats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-butler-yeats/) > [... A CLOCKWORK ORANGE- and I said: 'That's a fair gloopy title. Who ever heard of a clockwork orange?' Then I read a malenky…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-burgess/a-clockwork-orange-and-i-said-that-s-a-fair-gloopy-title-who-ever/) [Anthony Burgess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-burgess/) > [There is more to living than not dying," he said. "Look at the way you live Will. You burn as bright as a star.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/there-is-more-to-living-than-not-dying-he-said-look-at-the-way-you/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [I think there is something very consoling in feeling lost in space but also feeling grounded, and seeing that all of this is part…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wolfgang-tillmans/i-think-there-is-something-very-consoling-in-feeling-lost-in-space/) [Wolfgang Tillmans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wolfgang-tillmans/) > [Miss Cecily," she gasped, and then her eyes went to Will. She clapped a hand over her mouth, turned, and bolted back into the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/miss-cecily-she-gasped-and-then-her-eyes-went-to-will-she-clapped-a/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) > [The 21st chapter gives the novel the quality of genuine fiction, an art founded on the principle that human beings change. ----- "A Clockwork…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-burgess/the-21st-chapter-gives-the-novel-the-quality-of-genuine-fiction-an/) [Anthony Burgess](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anthony-burgess/) > [In January we start saving money, getting out of credit card debt, funding our retirement accounts, and we're doing wonderful. Then, every single year…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/suze-orman/in-january-we-start-saving-money-getting-out-of-credit-card-debt/) [Suze Orman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/suze-orman/) > [He banged on the side of the carriage. "Thomas! 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In something like 'A Clockwork Orange,' he is trying to use the practical light - I mean, at least…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gus-van-sant/yeah-kubrick-s-a-big-influence-in-something-like-a-clockwork-orange/) [Gus Van Sant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gus-van-sant/) [Browse all 125 Clockwork quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clockwork/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I am not a certified idiot—\" \"Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence,\" Will muttered.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Cassandra Clare" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certification-hardly-proves/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Clockwork" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certification-hardly-proves/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f35/cassandra-clare-9_clockwork_i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certi_1554257.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I am not a certified idiot—\" \"Lack of certification hardly proves intelligence,\" Will muttered.” — Cassandra Clare", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Cassandra Clare", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I am not a certified idiot—\"...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certification-hardly-proves/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/i-am-not-a-certified-idiot-lack-of-certification-hardly-proves/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```