All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called facts. They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain. Who does not know fellows that always have an ill-conditioned fact or two that they lead after them into decent company like so many bull-dogs, ready to let them slip at every ingenious suggestion, or convenient generalization, or pleasant fancy? I allow no facts at this table.

Summary

This quote suggests that generous and imaginative minds dislike relying solely on facts when engaging in intellectual discussions. The author portrays facts as "brute beasts" that some individuals present in social gatherings, always ready to contradict any creative ideas or generalizations. By stating, "I allow no facts at this table," the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing imagination and free-flowing thoughts, rather than restricting conversations to concrete evidence. The quote highlights a preference for open-mindedness and the exploration of ideas that go beyond rigid factual constraints.

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