Reviewers, with some rare exceptions, are a most stupid and malignant race. As a bankrupt thief turns thief-taker in despair, so an unsuccessful author turns critic.

Summary

This quote suggests that reviewers, in general, are unintelligent and malevolent individuals. It compares them to desperate bankrupt thieves who become thief-takers out of despair. Similarly, it implies that unsuccessful authors become critics as a result of their own failure. In essence, the quote implies that most reviewers possess ulterior motives and lack the necessary insight to provide fair and honest feedback.

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