Commonplace Quote by Gerald Stanley Lee
“To be original is to discover the commonplace of a thousand years--to face at first the sneer that no one would have thought of it, and at last the indifference because any one would.”
About This Quote
Originality involves recognizing timeless truths and confronting initial skepticism, only to be met later with apathy as the idea becomes accepted.
In simple terms: Originality reveals hidden truths, then fades into normalcy.
Key Takeaway
True novelty is first mocked, then ignored.
Themes
originality
reception
societal change
innovation
cultural inertia
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- introducing a groundbreaking theory
- launching an avant‑garde art piece
- presenting a disruptive technology
- challenging a long‑standing tradition
Key Concepts
recognition of timeless truths
social response to novelty
Practical Applications
- academic discourse
- creative marketing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society’s initial reaction shape the fate of an idea?
- What mechanisms turn novelty into the ordinary?
