Elitism Quote by Robert Dessaix
“When I re-read the Odyssey, it felt like I was reading PD James or Minette Walters - you feel that you are sharing in something that hundreds of millions of people have read with love, and I think that this is worth holding onto. It is not a matter of canonical texts or elitism, which the universities are trying to make us wary about. It is about shared language and metaphor and experience and imagery and that is all good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Odyssey (ancient epic) referenced in modern literary analysis
The passage celebrates the communal bond formed through shared classic literature, emphasizing its emotional and cultural value beyond academic elitism.
In simple terms: Shared reading of classics creates a common cultural experience.
Key Takeaway
Cherish collective literary experiences.
Themes
culture
literature
community
Mood
reflective
appreciative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- education
- public discussions
- media commentary
Key Concepts
humanism
shared narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do some people dismiss canonical works?
- How can we make classic literature more inclusive?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone values classics equally.
