Literature is a function of temperament, and thank God there are many kinds of temperament and therefore many kinds of literature. I can speak only for my own, and after considerable acquaintance I have determined that my temperament is quiet, recessive, skeptical, and watchful. I don't like big noisy scenes, in fiction or in life. I avoid riots and mass meetings. It would embarrass me to chase fire engines. I have a hard enough time making sense out of what my life hands me, without going out to hunt for more exciting events.
In the text, the author reflects on the diverse nature of literature, emphasizing that it arises from different temperaments. Each individual's unique disposition contributes to the variety of literary expression available. The author's personal temperament is characterized as quiet, recessive, skeptical, and observant, leading to a preference for subtlety over loud, chaotic experiences both in fiction and in real life.
This inclination manifests in a desire to avoid tumultuous situations, such as riots or excessive noise. The author feels overwhelmed by life's challenges and seeks not to pursue additional drama or excitement but instead to comprehend the complexities of their own experiences in a quieter, more contemplative manner.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
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