Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.
Talent
A man of great talents, but void of discretion, is like Polyphemus in the fable, strong and blind, endowed with an irresistible force, which for want of sight is of no use to him.
—Joseph Addison
Talent, like gout, sometimes skips two generations.
—Honoré de Balzac
Men of talents are variable as thermometers: genius alone is essentially good.
—Honoré de Balzac
Talent, like beauty, to be pardoned, must be obscure and unostentatious.
—Lady Blessington