“Your scorn for mediocrity blinds you to its vast primitive power. You stand in the glare of your own brilliance, unable to see into the dim corners of the room, to dilate your eyes and see the potential dangers of the mass, the wad of humanity. Even as I tell you this, dear student, you cannot quite believe that lesser men, in whatever numbers, can really defeat you. But we are in the age of the mediocre man. He is dull, colorless, boring — but inevitably victorious. The amoeba outlives the tiger because it divides and continues in its immortal monotony. The masses are the final tyrants. See how, in the arts, Kabuki wanes and withers while popular novels of violence and mindless action swamp the mind of the mass reader. And even in that timid genre, no author dares to produce a genuinely superior man as his hero, for in his rage of shame the mass man will send his yojimbo, the critic, to defend him. The roar of the plodders is inarticulate, but deafening. They have no brain, but they have a thousand arms to grasp and clutch at you, drag you down.”
Quote by Trevanian
Work
Shibumi is a novel that delves into the life of a Japanese swordsman turned spy. The story is rich with historical detail and philosophical musings, blending elements of espionage and Zen Buddhism. The protagonist, a master of the samurai arts, becomes entangled in a complex web of intrigue and moral dilemmas. The novel is known for its elegant prose and intricate plot, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era. more
Author
Trevanian, whose real name was William Henry Hertling, was an American writer known for his intricate plots and complex characters. His works spanned across various genres, including historical, spy, and adventure novels, and he was highly regarded in the literary world. His most famous achievement is the 'Augustus Rex' series, which is praised for its complex plots and profound character development. His novels are beloved by readers not only in the United States but also globally. more
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