In this quote from William Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury," the speaker critiques individuals who offer advice on success and competence despite lacking personal experience in those areas. It points out the irony of those who have never achieved significant success feeling entitled to instruct others on how to manage their endeavors, highlighting a disconnect between theory and real-world application.
Moreover, the statement underscores the presence of unqualified critics in society, such as academics who may possess theoretical knowledge but lack practical experience. It also draws attention to the absurdity of those who fail in personal life, like relationships, presuming to guide others in familial matters, thus emphasizing the importance of experience alongside knowledge when offering guidance.