Quote by Herman Melville

There is the grand truth about Nathaniel Hawthorne. He says NO! in thunder; but the Devil himself cannot make him say yes. For all men who say yes, lie; and all men who say no,why, they are in the happy condition of judicious, unincumbered travellers in Europe; they cross the frontiers into Eternity with nothing but a carpet-bag,that is to say, the Ego. Whereas those yes-gentry, they travel with heaps of baggage, and, damn them! they will never get through the Custom House.

There is the grand truth about Nathaniel Hawthorne. He says

Summary

This quote portrays Nathaniel Hawthorne as a resolute individual who firmly stands by his convictions. It suggests that Hawthorne boldly rejects things he does not agree with, refusing to be swayed or forced into saying "yes" against his will. The quote further asserts that those who consistently say "yes" are dishonest, while those who say "no" are in a state of freedom resembling unburdened travelers. The metaphor of crossing into eternity with only a small bag represents an uncomplicated and authentic existence, in contrast to the elaborate baggage carried by those who always say "yes" and face difficulties at the metaphorical "Custom House".

By Herman Melville

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