Since it is seldom clear whether intellectual activity denotes a superior mode of being or a vital deficiency, opinion swings between considering intellect a privilege and seeing it as a handicap.

Quote by Jacques Barzun

Topics: Jacques Barzun Quotes

Of course, clothing fashions have always been impractical, except in Tahiti

Of course, clothing fashions have always been impractical, except in Tahiti

The test and the use of man's education is that he finds pleasure in the...

The test and the use of man's education is that he finds pleasure in the...

In any assembly the simplest way to stop transacting business and split the ranks is...

In any assembly the simplest way to stop transacting business and split the ranks is...

An artist has every right - one may even say a duty - to exhibit...

An artist has every right - one may even say a duty - to exhibit...

It seems a long time since the morning mail could be called correspondence.

It seems a long time since the morning mail could be called correspondence.

Music is intended and designed for sentient beings that have hopes and purposes and emotions.

Music is intended and designed for sentient beings that have hopes and purposes and emotions.

Political correctness does not legislate tolerance; it only organizes hatred.

Political correctness does not legislate tolerance; it only organizes hatred.

The danger that may really threaten (crime fiction) is that soon there will be more...

The danger that may really threaten (crime fiction) is that soon there will be more...

Only a great mind that is overthrown yields tragedy.

Only a great mind that is overthrown yields tragedy.

The danger that may really threaten (crime fiction) is that soon there will be more...

The danger that may really threaten (crime fiction) is that soon there will be more...

A man who has both feet planted firmly in the air can be safely called...

A man who has both feet planted firmly in the air can be safely called...

Great cultural changes begin in affectation and end in routine.

Great cultural changes begin in affectation and end in routine.

If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper...

If civilization has risen from the Stone Age, it can rise again from the Wastepaper...

If it were possible to talk to the unborn, one could never explain to them...

If it were possible to talk to the unborn, one could never explain to them...

Take a portion of wit, And fashion it fit, Like a needle, with point and...

Take a portion of wit, And fashion it fit, Like a needle, with point and...

Idealism springs from deep feelings, but feelings are nothing without the formulated idea that keeps...

Idealism springs from deep feelings, but feelings are nothing without the formulated idea that keeps...

In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and...

In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's work. It is invisible and...

Except among those whose education has been in the minimalist style, it is understood that...

Except among those whose education has been in the minimalist style, it is understood that...

What business has science and capitalism got, bringing all these new inventions into the works,...

What business has science and capitalism got, bringing all these new inventions into the works,...

If kids come to us [educators teachers] from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our...

If kids come to us [educators teachers] from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our...

What is objectionable, what is dangerous, about extremists is not that they are extreme, but...

What is objectionable, what is dangerous, about extremists is not that they are extreme, but...

Our judgments judge us, and nothing reveals us, exposes our weaknesses, more ingeniously than the...

Our judgments judge us, and nothing reveals us, exposes our weaknesses, more ingeniously than the...

An ethical person ought to do more than he's required to do and less than...

An ethical person ought to do more than he's required to do and less than...