In Stephen King's novel "The Stand," a powerful quote summarizes the unsettling feeling that arises when someone perceived as foolish starts to gain insight and understanding. This notion reflects societal tendencies to underestimate individuals who seem simple or naive, and it highlights the discomfort that often accompanies such transformations in character. The idea challenges the reader to consider why a person's growth in wisdom can provoke negative reactions among others.

This quote serves as a reminder that intelligence and awareness can be daunting, especially when it disrupts the status quo. It emphasizes how people often prefer to maintain the familiar dynamics of power and ignorance. Overall, King's words resonate as a commentary on human relationships and the often uncomfortable intersections of growth, perception, and societal norms.