The doctor drummed the fingers of his left hand on the edge of the table, a strange gesture which suggested, Isabel thought, an impatient temperment. Perhaps he had been obliged to listen too long to those whom he did not consider his intellectual equal, exhausted patients with long-running complaints, unable to put their views succinctly. Some doctors could become like that, she thought, just as some lawyers could; prolonged exposure to flawed humanity could create a sense of superiority if one was not careful--and perhaps he was not.
In the passage, Isabel observes the doctor’s habit of drumming his fingers on the table, which hints at his impatience. She reflects on how such gestures often stem from prolonged discussions with patients who may not articulate their problems as clearly as he would prefer. This brings to mind that certain professionals, like doctors and lawyers, can develop a sense of superiority due to their constant interaction with people who struggle to express themselves effectively.
Isabel's inference about the doctor suggests a deeper exploration of the dynamics between professionals and their clients. She argues that spending too much time around individuals with more mundane or flawed perspectives can skew one's view of their own intellectual standing. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and humility in any profession, as excess exposure to the limitations of others might lead to an inflated sense of self-importance if not checked.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
