Mark Helprin reflects on the nature of self-education versus formal education in his quote. He acknowledges that he may not have the traditional credentials that confer authority, but through self-directed learning, he possesses a unique perspective. This lack of institutional recognition allows him the freedom to express his thoughts without the constraints of established norms or expectations.

He suggests that his ideas, much like small forces that do not challenge great powers, have the potential to endure in obscurity until the dominance of mainstream thought diminishes. Helprin's belief in the survival of these independent thoughts highlights the importance of carving out one's own intellectual path regardless of societal validation.