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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society overestimates critics, attributing more depth to them than they possess.
In plain terms
People give critics too much credit for being smart.
What can you take from it?
Do not assume critics know more than they do.

Where it applies

  • reading reviews
  • academic debate
  • media criticism

Putting it to work

  • evaluate critics objectively
  • question expert status

Questions to consider

  • Who decides who is a critic?
  • How do we measure profundity?

Another view

Some critics do possess deep insight despite this generalization.

More from Henry Fielding

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  3. Thwackum was for doing justice, and leaving mercy to heaven.

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