When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this… — Jonathan Swift · Smartyfair

When a true genius appears in the world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him.

Jonathan Swift1667–1745 · writer · 1600s-1700s Ireland & EnglandJonathan Swift was an Irish writer and church dean best known for Gulliver's Travels, the adventure of a traveler who visits lands of tiny people, giants, and talking horses.3 quotes

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How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Thoughts on Various Subjects; collected in Gutenberg 623
Sources checked: gutenberg.orgChecked using manual, 16 October 2026Thoughts on Various Subjects; collected in Gutenberg 623

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