Quote by Julian Barnes
The writer must be universal in sympathy and an outcast by nature; only then can he see clearly.
Summary
This quote suggests that in order for a writer to have a clear perspective, they need to possess a universal understanding and empathy towards others. The writer should be able to relate to all kinds of people and situations, allowing them to see the world from various perspectives. Additionally, the quote implies that being an outcast by nature allows the writer to maintain a certain distance from societal constraints and biases, enabling them to have a more objective and discerning viewpoint on the world and its occurrences.