The quote "Have read little and understood less" from James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" encapsulates the struggle of the protagonist with knowledge and self-awareness. It reflects a profound sense of confusion often experienced during the formative years of one's life, especially for a young artist seeking meaning and purpose. This revelation resonates with the journey of intellectual discovery, highlighting the limitations of one's understanding in the face of vast literary and philosophical landscapes.

In this context, the quote suggests that mere exposure to literature isn't sufficient for genuine comprehension. The protagonist grapples with the complexities of his own identity and cultural influences, indicating that understanding goes beyond reading. This sentiment underscores a universal experience, where the quest for insight leads to a deeper realization of one's ignorance, prompting a continuous pursuit of knowledge and truth throughout life.