Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
Much literary criticism comes from people for whom extreme specialization is a cover for either grave cerebral inadequacy or terminal laziness, the latter being a much cherished aspect of academic freedom.
Summary
This quote suggests that many individuals who engage in literary criticism do so out of laziness or a lack of intellectual capability. The emphasis on high specialization is seen as a way for these individuals to hide their intellectual shortcomings. Furthermore, the quote highlights how laziness is often accepted and even valued in academic settings, under the guise of academic freedom, thus enabling such behavior.