Accounts Quote by Samuel Butler
“I am the enfant terrible of literature and science. If I cannot, and I know I cannot, get the literary and scientific bigwigs to give me a shilling, I can, and I know I can, heave bricks into the middle of them.”
About This Quote
A self‑identifying provocateur who claims the power to disrupt established literary and scientific elites, whether through financial support or bold, disruptive action.
In simple terms: Self‑styled rebel challenging authority
Key Takeaway
Disruption can be both funded and forceful
Themes
rebellion
authority
creativity
power dynamics
individualism
Mood
defiant
ironic
provocative
Type
aphor
manifesto
When to use this quote
- seeking patronage
- facing institutional gatekeepers
- making a bold statement
- leveraging controversy
Key Concepts
elitism
subversion
agency
artistic expression
Practical Applications
- cultural critique
- motivating unconventional approaches
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits define 'bigwigs' in your field?
- How do you balance disruption with constructive contribution?
![“[E]very man hath liberty to write, but few ability. Heretofore learning was graced by judicious scholars, but now noble sciences are vilified by base and illiterate scribblers, that either write for vain-glory, need, to get money, or as Parasites to flatter and collogue with some great men, they…” quote by Robert Burton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/792/robert-burton-10069_books_e-very-man-hath-liberty-to-write-but-few_213260.jpg)
