"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools"

This quote by Ernest Hemingway talks to the idea that sometimes, intelligent individuals are forced to decrease their requirements and engage in activities that they would not usually partake in, in order to hang out with people who are not as smart as them. This might be analyzed as a commentary on the idea that smart people often feel separated and alone, as they are not able to discover individuals who can relate to them on an intellectual level. In this case, the activity of drinking is utilized as a method to bridge the space between the intelligent person and the fools. It is a method for the intelligent person to get in touch with the fools, even if it is only short-lived. Ultimately, this quote speaks to the concept that smart individuals typically need to make compromises in order to find friendship.