Quote by Oscar Wilde
I quite agree with Dr. Nordau's assertion that all men of genius are insane, but Dr. Nordau forgets that all sane people are idiots.
Summary
This quote, often attributed to Oscar Wilde but debated in terms of its true origin, suggests that there is a thin line between genius and madness. It agrees with Dr. Nordau's claim that those with exceptional intellectual abilities are often seen as insane by society. However, it challenges Nordau's viewpoint by emphasizing that what society deems as "sanity" is often associated with ignorance or idiocy. In essence, the quote implies that conventional thinking might be limited, and true genius may require a departure from societal norms, even if it means being perceived as "insane."
By Oscar Wilde