--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You see, Monsieur, it's worth everything…" description: "\"“You see, Monsieur, it's worth everything, isn't it, to keep one's intellectual liberty, not to enslave one's powers of appreciation, one's critical in..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19f/edith-wharton-512_gratitude_you-see-monsieur-it-s-worth-everything-i_2292976.png" --- # You see, Monsieur, it's worth everything, isn't it, to… ![“You see, Monsieur, it's worth everything, isn't it, to keep one's intellectual liberty, not to enslave one's powers of appreciation, one's critical independence? It was because of that that I abandoned journalism, and took to so much duller work: tutoring and private secretaryship. There is a good…” quote by Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19f/edith-wharton-512_gratitude_you-see-monsieur-it-s-worth-everything-i_2292976.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19f/edith-wharton-512_gratitude_you-see-monsieur-it-s-worth-everything-i_2292976.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/19f/edith-wharton-512_gratitude_you-see-monsieur-it-s-worth-everything-i_2292976.png) > ““You see, Monsieur, it's worth everything, isn't it, to keep one's intellectual liberty, not to enslave one's powers of appreciation, one's critical independence? It was because of that that I abandoned journalism, and took to so much duller work: tutoring and private secretaryship. There is a good deal of drudgery, of course; but one preserves one's moral freedom, what we call in French one's quant a soi. And when one hears good talk one can join in it without compromising any opinions but one's own; or one can listen, and answer it inwardly. Ah, good conversation--there's nothing like it, is there? The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing. And so I have never regretted giving up either diplomacy or journalism--two different forms of the same self-abdication." He fixed his vivid eyes on Archer as he lit another cigarette. "Voyez-vous, Monsieur, to be able to look life in the face: that's worth living in a garret for, isn't it? But, after all, one must earn enough to pay for the garret; and I confess that to grow old as a private tutor--or a 'private' anything--is almost as chilling to the imagination as a second secretaryship at Bucharest. Sometimes I feel I must make a plunge: an immense plunge. Do you suppose, for instance, there would be any opening for me in America-- in New York?”” [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Intellectual independence and moral freedom are more valuable than material comfort or prestigious careers. **In simple terms:** Freedom of thought outweighs wealth. Key Takeaway Choose work that preserves your mind. Themes intellectual freedom personal integrity career choice artistic values Mood reflective contemplative Type philosophical literary personal. When to use this quote - tutoring - private secretary work - creative writing - academic research - consulting Key Concepts existentialism autonomy moral philosophy Questions to Reflect On - What sacrifices are you willing to make for intellectual liberty? - How do you balance material needs with personal values? A Different Perspective Such choices may lead to financial insecurity and social isolation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/) [Grow Old](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grow-old/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Journalism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/journalism/) [Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberty/) [Moral freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral-freedom/) [Worth living](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/worth-living/) ## Related quotes > [The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-wharton/the-air-of-ideas-is-the-only-air-worth-breathing/) [Edith Wharton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-wharton/) > [Ah, good conversation - there's nothing like it, is there? 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