This phrase originated from the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus in his work "Adages." It suggests that even someone with limited abilities or knowledge can be seen as powerful or superior in a group where others have even less.
It is a well known saying by Erasmus (of Rotterdam) and seems to date from about 1510. (It may be older).
It is also a line in Tom Wait's "Singapore":
The captain is one-armed dwarf
He's throwing dice along the wharf
In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king
So take this ring...
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Desiderius Erasmus. Although, it perhaps was made popular by a short story written by H.G. Wells entitled, "Country of the Blind."
"In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king." is a common quote in that is believed to be of Latin origin. This means that in a place where there are no talents at all, the person with even poor talent is regarded highly.
Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; when thine eyeis evil, thy body also is full of darkness.
Erasmus (1466-1536) wrote it down as a common saying in his day, but we don't know where he got the original. Some believe that it was a scripture verse or proverb that he interpreted or translated in that way.
It is an anonymous quote.
Desiderius Erasmus said it: "In regione caecorum rex est luscus."
In the country of the blind, the one eyed man in king. It is normally said about a difficult situation where a person with only a few skills is better than those who have none
jesus
i have been to china several times and never seen any slant eyed Chinese. i am not blind either. i found a beautiful slant eyed lady in Panama city beach i asked her where was she from in china,she said oh i am from turkey.
Tireseas the blind prophet
LOL. Because they're the Black Eyed Peas. 'Nuff said.
The Black eyed peas named themselves that because they said black eyed peas are soul food and their music comes from the soul.
Acadian were removed from there land because the Britain king told them to listen to him but they said no they wouldn't listen to you. So the king said to meet in the church so the king said you could keep the money and household goods but you and yourself should be removed from this province.
Iago.
Blind sight is a contradiction in terms, Like- the old phrase- I see, said the Blind Man!
magellan
Iago
"If the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch" - St. Matthew, 15:14.
black eyed peas are beans,the Black eyed peas named themselves that because they said black eyed peas are soul food and their music comes from the soul.( true fact comment by Toni best )
the one eyed cactuss