Strong back, weak mind

Posted by Pamela on March 18, 2006

In Reply to: posted by David FG on March 17, 2006

: : What is the origin of the phrase "strong back, weak mind"? Thanks for the help.

: From the rather suspect idea that those performing hard physical work (strong in the back) are not intellectually gifted (weak in the head).

: DFG

And the opposite of the cliche that scientists and other brainiacs are always weedy, wear glasses and suffer from some constitutional weakness. pamela