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Artistic Quote by Oliver Goldsmith

“True genius walks along a line, and, perhaps, our greatest pleasure is in seeing it so often near falling, without being ever actually down.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith
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“True genius walks along a line, and, perhaps, our greatest pleasure is in seeing it so often near falling, without being ever actually down.”

Oliver Goldsmith

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Genius, 1765

Genius balances on a fine line between brilliance and failure, finding pleasure in near‑falls without truly falling.

In simple terms: Genius walks a fine line.

Key Takeaway

Embrace risk without fear of failure.

Themes

genius balance risk pleasure resilience

Mood

reflective encouraging

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • creative work
  • entrepreneurship
  • scientific research
  • performance arts

Key Concepts

psychology of creativity philosophy of art

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you manage near‑failure?
  • What pleasures arise from risk?
A Different Perspective

Risk can lead to actual failure.

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