Who said “When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces…”?

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Jonathan Swift. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThoughts on Various Subjects from Miscellanies (1711-1726)

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“When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.”
— Jonathan Swift
VerifiedThoughts on Various Subjects from Miscellanies (1711-1726) · evidenceGenius

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Thoughts on Various Subjects from Miscellanies (1711-1726).

APA

Swift, J. (n.d.). When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19627-when-a-true-genius-appears-in-this-world/

MLA

Swift, Jonathan. “When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19627-when-a-true-genius-appears-in-this-world/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Swift, Jonathan. “When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/19627-when-a-true-genius-appears-in-this-world/.

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