He has come to the most dreadful conclusion a literary man can come to, the conclusion that the ordinary view is the right one. It is only the last and wildest kind of courage that can stand on a tower before ten thousand people and tell them that twice two is four.

Summary

This quote suggests that the speaker believes that the most disheartening realization for a writer is to accept that the ordinary or commonly accepted viewpoint is correct. It emphasizes that it takes great courage for someone, particularly a literary individual, to stand before a large crowd and proclaim a widely acknowledged truth, as it may seem unimpressive or unremarkable. This highlights the inherent difficulty and challenge in delivering simple truths, ultimately underscoring the importance of bravery and conviction in sharing even the most basic knowledge.

Topics