Accidents Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“To be infatuated with the power of one's own intellect is an accident which seldom happens but to those who are remarkable for the want of intellectual power. Whenever Nature leaves a hole in a person's mind, she generally plasters it over with a thick coat of self-conceit.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown, philosophical reflection on intellect and ego
The passage warns that overconfidence in intellect is rare and that gaps in knowledge are often filled with self‑conceit.
In simple terms: Intellectual arrogance hides ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Stay humble, acknowledge unknowns.
Themes
humility
knowledge
ego
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- personal growth
- decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
self‑awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What areas do you overestimate?
- How can humility improve learning?
A Different Perspective
Self‑conceit can block learning.
