The novelist teaches the reader to comprehend the world as a question. There is wisdom and tolerance in that attitude. In a world built on sacrosanct certainties the novel is dead.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the role of novels in shaping our understanding of the world. It suggests that a novelist's purpose is to invite readers to view the world with curiosity and a sense of inquiry. By presenting the world as a question, novels encourage readers to critically examine their surroundings and challenge dominant beliefs. The quote also suggests that in a society entrenched in unwavering convictions, where everything is considered absolute, the novel, which encourages exploration and open-mindedness, becomes irrelevant and loses its power. Thus, the quote emphasizes the importance of novelistic wisdom and tolerance in a world that tends to privilege certainty over curiosity.

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