That afternoon I came to understand that one of the deepest purposes of intellectual sophistication is to provide distance between us and our most disturbing personal truths and gnawing fears.

Summary

This quote suggests that intellectual sophistication serves the purpose of creating separation between ourselves and the uncomfortable truths and fears we hold within. By acquiring knowledge and a deeper understanding of various concepts, we are able to deflect and distance ourselves from confronting these personal and alarming aspects of our lives. Intellectual sophistication becomes a coping mechanism that allows us to navigate through life by employing a shield of knowledge to shield us from our own unsettling experiences or fears.