Vladimir Nabokov offers valuable advice to aspiring literary critics in "Strong Opinions." He emphasizes the importance of identifying clichés and avoiding the pitfalls of mediocrity, which often stems from adopting popular ideas. He encourages critics to critically evaluate symbols and their own interpretations, steering clear of overanalyzing with concepts like allegories. Instead, he urges them to focus on the technique of writing rather than just the content and to rely on their own instincts.

Nabokov also warns against misidentifying personal biases and advises against letting psychological theories like Freud overshadow genuine critiques. Ultimately, he asserts that individual talent is paramount in literary criticism, suggesting that the critic’s unique perspective is what truly shapes their understanding and evaluation of literature.