The quote from Arturo Pérez-Reverte's "The Dumas Club" emphasizes the idea that a person's reading and viewing history actively shapes their understanding and perspectives. A reader's prior experiences with literature, cinema, and television influence how they interpret new information, suggesting that their worldview is significantly shaped by what they've absorbed beforehand.

However, the author warns of a potential risk: an over-reliance on references and external influences may lead to misconceptions or a distorted understanding of reality. This notion of "manufacturing a wrong or unreal adversary" highlights the importance of critical engagement with information and the need to be cautious about the influences that shape our perceptions.