Able Quote by Jean de la Bruyere
“Young people are dazzled by the brilliancy of antithesis, and employ it. Matter-of-fact men, and those who like precision, naturally fall into comparisons and metaphor. Sprightly natures, full of fire, and whom a boundless imagination carries beyond all rules, and even what is reasonable, cannot rest satisfied even with hyperbole. As for the sublime, it is only great geniuses and those of the very highest order that are able to rise to its height.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Les Caractères, 1688
Young, imaginative minds favor bold contrasts and metaphor, while precise thinkers prefer straightforward comparisons; only the highest geniuses can grasp the sublime.
In simple terms: Creative people love striking opposites; logical types stick to clear comparisons; true greatness perceives the sublime.
Key Takeaway
Recognize your own cognitive style and its limits.
Themes
creativity
logic
genius
imagination
comparison
Mood
inspired
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- artistic expression
- philosophical discourse
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
metaphor
hyperbole
precision
contrast
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you favor bold imagery or precise language?
- How does your style affect your understanding of greatness?
A Different Perspective
Even geniuses may misinterpret or overvalue the sublime, leading to hubris.
![“The court is like a palace built of marble; I mean that it is made up of very hard but very polished people. [Fr., La cour est comme un edifice bati de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est composee d'hommes fort durs mais fort polis.]” quote by Jean de la Bruyere](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcf/jean-de-la-bruyere-575_built_the-court-is-like-a-palace-built-of-marb_77288.jpg)
