dunces

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

The Early Word: Whose Narrative Is It, Anyway? - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com 2008

This is the perfect time to quote another great satirist, Jonathan Swift: “When a true genius appears in this world, you may know him by this sign, that the dunces are all in confederacy against him. ”

Think Progress » Fox News Slams Colbert: ‘Inappropriate,’ ‘Over the Line,’ ‘Not Very Funny’ 2006

In old days, young men had to study; they didn’t want to be called dunces, so they had to work hard whether they liked it or not.

Chapter X 1917

A much more sensible explanation is that the so-called dunces are not exhausted before they begin the serious business of life.

Treatise on Parents and Children George Bernard Shaw 1903

But this is what the dunces are the last people to realize: indeed, "every man is of importance to himself, and therefore, in his own opinion, to others"; so the victim is the first to "publish injuries or misfortunes which had never been known unless related by himself, and at which those that hear them will only laugh; for no man sympathizes with the sorrows of vanity."

Dr. Johnson and His Circle John Cann Bailey 1897

The world has been very kind to many who were once known as dunces or blockheads, after they have become very successful; but it was very cross to them while they were struggling through discouragement and misinterpretation.

Pushing to the Front Orison Swett Marden 1887

The latter group -- the so-called dunces, include Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Michael Steele and Glenn Beck.

American Thinker 2010

Children who are weak academically and are ridiculed and called dunces, can blossom and earn respect from peers when given the opportunity to excel in sports, or in the creative or performing arts.

TrinidadExpress Today's News 2008

Yes, in case you "dunces" are wondering, I am a life-long Democrat.

Congress needs to rein in spending, Thune says 2009

Here we go again, the traditional class "dunces" still don't get it.

deseretnews.com - Top Stories 2010