Society is a Republic:
As soon as one individual reaches upwards, the totality pushes him back by ridicule and critical accusations. No-one is permitted to be more virtuous or more intelligent than the rest.
He, however, who, through the unyielding power of Genius, stands above the commonplace, is persecuted by Society's ostracism. He becomes victim of such merciless derision and defamation, that he is forced to withdraw to the solitude of his thoughts.
Heinrich Heine
Those without glory or fame are quite right when they preach humility. It is easy for them to practice this virtue, it costs them no effort and through their commonness, their do-nothing inactivity lies hidden and cannot be recognized.
Heinrich Heine
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