Every select man strives instinctively for a citadel and a…
““Every select man strives instinctively for a citadel and a privacy, where he is FREE from the crowd, the many, the majority-- where he may forget "men who are the rule," as their exception;-- exclusive only of the case in which he is pushed straight to such men by a still stronger instinct, as a discerner in the great and exceptional sense.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A desire for solitary space where one can act beyond societal norms, driven by a deeper instinct to encounter exceptional individuals.
In simple terms: Seeking private, exceptional encounters.
Key Takeaway
Solitude fuels encounter with the extraordinary.
Themes
individualism
exceptionalism
freedom
instinct
social critique
Mood
reflective
defiant
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative retreats
- philosophical contemplation
- leadership isolation
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
citadel
crowd
majority
rule
exception
Practical Applications
- personal growth
- innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true freedom look like beyond the crowd?
- How does solitude shape one's perception of the exceptional?