In the book "The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds" by Alexander McCall Smith, a character reflects on the social pressure surrounding literary knowledge. This introspection leads to the question of whether it is acceptable to exaggerate one's familiarity with classic works, such as those by Proust. The character grapples with the implications of honesty in personal narratives and the societal expectations surrounding them.
This moment underscores a common dilemma in intellectual circles,...