The proportion of genius to the vulgar is like one to a million

The proportion of genius to the vulgar is like one to a million

Johann Kaspar Lavater, a Swiss poet, philosopher, and theologian, is often credited with the famous quote, "The proportion of genius to the vulgar is like one to a million." This statement speaks to the rarity and uniqueness of genius in comparison to the commonality of mediocrity or vulgarity in society.

Lavater believed that true genius was a gift bestowed upon only a select few individuals, while the majority of people fell into the category of the vulgar or ordinary. He saw genius as a divine spark that set certain individuals apart from the rest, allowing them to achieve greatness in their chosen field.