In my profession it isn’t a question of telling good…
“In my profession it isn’t a question of telling good literature from bad. Really good literature is seldom appreciated in its own day. The best authors die poor, the bad ones make money — it’s always been like that. What do I, an agent, get out of a literary genius who won’t be discovered for another hundred years? I’ll be dead myself then. Successful incompetents are what I need.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Literary value often isn’t recognized in its own time; success can be independent of merit.
In simple terms: Great works may be ignored initially.
Key Takeaway
Support emerging talent and stay patient.
Themes
literature
valuation
patience
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
industry
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- literary criticism
- author advocacy
- investment decisions
Key Concepts
economics
cultural capital
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should define literary merit?
- How can agents balance profit with artistic integrity?
A Different Perspective
Market forces can prioritize profit over quality.