"There is that indescribable freshness and unconsciousness about an illiterate person that humbles and mocks the power of the noblest expressive genius"

In this quote, Walt Whitman reflects on the purity and credibility that an illiterate individual possesses. He explains an "inexpressible freshness and unconsciousness" that these people possess, suggesting that they are unburdened by the restrictions of education and societal expectations. This purity, according to Whitman, has the power to humble and even mock the noblest meaningful genius. It highlights how the simplicity and unaffected nature of the illiterate person's viewpoint can be an effective force, challenging the extremely educated and advanced individuals who typically strive for creative expression. Eventually, Whitman's words act as a reminder of the worth of uncorrupted simplicity and the transcendent power of authentic expression.