A gifted violin player in danger of becoming a virtuoso and thus too attached to his instrument handed it over to the Oneida authorities and never played again. When a visiting Canadian teacher complained that the community did not foster genius or special talent, Noyes was delighted, replying, We never expected or desired to produce a Byron, a Napoleon, or a Michelangelo. You know you've reached a new plateau of group mediocrity when even a Canadian is alarmed by your lack of individuality.

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About Sarah Vowell

Sarah Vowell was a contemporary American author, journalist and voice actress. Sarah Jane Vowell is an American historian, writer, journalist, radio personality, social commentator, and actress. She has written seven nonfiction books on American history and culture. Read more on Wikipedia →

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