--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: 'In every work of genius, we recognize…" description: "\"'In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty'. A man is truly only as big as..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/387/harvey-spencer-lewis-68874_intelligence_in-every-work-of-genius-we-recognize-our_1662455.jpg" --- # 'In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected… ![“'In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty'. A man is truly only as big as he thinks. If he considers himself inferior because he bears no academic degrees, and consequently disqualifies every thought of his that borders…” quote by Harvey Spencer Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/387/harvey-spencer-lewis-68874_intelligence_in-every-work-of-genius-we-recognize-our_1662455.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/387/harvey-spencer-lewis-68874_intelligence_in-every-work-of-genius-we-recognize-our_1662455.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/387/harvey-spencer-lewis-68874_intelligence_in-every-work-of-genius-we-recognize-our_1662455.jpg) > “'In every work of genius, we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty'. A man is truly only as big as he thinks. If he considers himself inferior because he bears no academic degrees, and consequently disqualifies every thought of his that borders on the established branches of knowledge, he becomes one who holds inconsequential and petty thoughts, casting asides all worthy ones. Your thoughts determine your actions, and actions makes you either prominent or a small mental world. No matter how humble your position in life, or your lack of schooling, you are never wrong until you are proven to be.” Harvey Spencer Lewis ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. We recognize our own discarded ideas in the work of geniuses, and our self‑judgment about education shapes our confidence and impact. **In simple terms:** We see our rejected thoughts in genius and self‑esteem affects our influence. Key Takeaway Value all thoughts, regardless of formal education. Themes self‑esteem education genius confidence thoughts Mood reflective inspirational Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - academic settings - creative projects - personal development - career advancement Key Concepts psychology philosophy self‑concept Questions to Reflect On - How do you judge the worth of an idea? - Can confidence replace formal knowledge? A Different Perspective The quote may overstate the power of self‑perception, ignoring structural barriers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Knowing oneself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowing-oneself/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) ## Related quotes > [“In every work of genius we recognize out own rejected thoughts'. 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Character determines your destiny.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matshona-dhliwayo/thoughts-determine-your-speech-desires-determine-your-actions/) [Matshona Dhliwayo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matshona-dhliwayo/) > [Our thoughts determine our age.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yoko-ono/our-thoughts-determine-our-age/) [Yoko Ono](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yoko-ono/) > [Your thoughts determine what you're saying with your mouth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sfiso-maaphula-ngema/your-thoughts-determine-what-you-re-saying-with-your-mouth/) [Sfiso MaAphula Ngema](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sfiso-maaphula-ngema/) > [“Your mental make-ups are the contents of your everyday thinking; they carry a charge that can either transform, reform or destroy you. Watch your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/your-mental-make-ups-are-the-contents-of-your-everyday-thinking-they/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [“Be and Do what it takes to Have superb results. Nurture a mindset that works for you, rather than against you. Your inner thoughts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-c-young/be-and-do-what-it-takes-to-have-superb-results-nurture-a-mindset-that/) [Susan C. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-c-young/) > [Thought is the source of all wealth, all success, all achievement. 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