In "Metroland," Julian Barnes poses a thought-provoking question regarding the nature of left-wing ideas and their reception in society. He suggests that there seems to be a trend where left-wing concepts must gain popularity or become fashionable before they are taken seriously or read. This trend raises concerns about the genuine impact of such ideas, as their initial revolutionary potential may diminish over time.

As these once-progressive ideas become trendy, they often lose their radical edge and are co-opted into a conservative framework. This phenomenon highlights the irony of cultural shifts, where the original intentions of leftist thought can become diluted, ultimately contributing to the very establishment they sought to challenge. Barnes' insight encourages reflection on how societal acceptance can transform revolutionary ideas into conservative norms.