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The literary world is made up of little confederacies…

“The literary world is made up of little confederacies, each looking upon its own members as the lights of the universe; and considering all others as mere transient meteors, doomed to soon fall and be forgotten, while its own luminaries are to shine steadily into immortality.” quote by Washington Irving
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“The literary world is made up of little confederacies, each looking upon its own members as the lights of the universe; and considering all others as mere transient meteors, doomed to soon fall and be forgotten, while its own luminaries are to shine steadily into immortality.”

Washington Irving

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Writers view their own circles as central, dismissing outsiders as fleeting.

In simple terms: Writers see themselves as central, others as transient.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the value of diverse voices.

Themes

literature ego community ephemerality

Mood

reflective critical

Type

analytical observational

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • literary criticism
  • author collaborations
  • academic study

Key Concepts

social hierarchy identity legacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this bias affect literary history?
  • Can we broaden our view beyond our circles?
A Different Perspective

May overlook valuable external perspectives.

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