Capable Quote by Doris Lessing
“Capable people do not understand incapacity; clever people do not understand stupidity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sweetest Dream, Doris Lessing, 1975
People who are competent often overlook the limits of others, while the clever may misjudge lack of sense.
In simple terms: Smart people miss incapacity; clever miss stupidity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both competence and its limits.
Themes
competence
perception
intelligence
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teamwork
- leadership
- education
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance confidence with humility?
- When might cleverness hinder understanding?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on ability can blind you to genuine challenges.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
