Born Quote by Horace Walpole
“A man of sense, though born without wit, often lives to have wit. His memory treasures up ideas and reflections; he compares themwith new occurrences, and strikes out new lights from the collision. The consequence is sometimes bons mots, and sometimes apothegms.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Letters of Horace Walpole, 1760s
A thoughtful person without natural wit can still produce clever sayings by reflecting on ideas and comparing them to new events, generating insights and aphorisms.
In simple terms: Reflection can create wit even without natural talent.
Key Takeaway
Use reflection to craft clever remarks.
Themes
creativity
reflection
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
aphoristic
literary
When to use this quote
- writing
- public speaking
- teaching
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
aphorism
insight
memory
comparison
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you turn reflection into wit?
- What habits foster insightful connections?
A Different Perspective
May lack of innate wit limit originality.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
