Quote by James Agate

Intelligence: I was asked tonight why I refuse to have truck with intellectuals after business hours. But of course I won t. 1. I am not an intellectual. Two minutes talk with Aldous Huxley, William Glock, or any of the New Statesman crowd would expose me utterly. 2. I am too tired after my day's work to man the intellectual palisade. 3. When my work is finished I want to eat, drink, smoke, and relax. 4. I don't know very much, but what I do know I know better than anybody, and I don't want to argue about it. I know what I think about an actor or an actress, and am not interested in what anybody else thinks. My mind is not a bed to be made and re-made.

Summary

This quote is a short explanation by the author as to why they refuse to engage with intellectuals outside of work hours. There are four main reasons provided for this refusal. Firstly, the author claims not to be an intellectual themselves and believes that a conversation with highly knowledgeable individuals would expose their lack of intellect. Secondly, they express exhaustion after a day's work, and do not have the energy to engage in intellectual discussions. Thirdly, the author desires to unwind and relax through eating, drinking, and smoking, rather than continuing intellectual labor. Lastly, they assert confidence in their limited knowledge and have no interest in debating or reconsidering their opinions. The author firmly believes that their mind is not flexible or open to constant revision.