"I might have simply settled down into an armchair literary life. I really don't know exactly why I didn't"

Edward Carpenter's quote shows a minute of introspection and self-examination that is relatable to anybody who has actually dealt with a crossroads in life. The expression "I may have just settled down into an armchair literary life" recommends a path that is comfortable, traditional, and perhaps anticipated for somebody of literary inclination. An "armchair literary life" conjures a picture of a tranquil, reflective existence devoted to checking out and writing, possibly far from the hustle and bustle of public life or advocacy. It indicates a life of reflection, where one's engagement with the world is from a distance, through the lens of books and intellectual exploration.

Nevertheless, the follow-up declaration, "I actually don't know exactly why I didn't", introduces an intriguing component of uncertainty and serendipity. This admission hints that Carpenter, despite the lure of a quieter, more foreseeable path, picked a various path, albeit without a clear, calculated factor. It speaks with the nature of human decisions that are frequently affected by an intricate mix of personal desire, external influences, spontaneous choices, and maybe an intrinsic drive towards something higher.

This part of the quote catches the essence of life's unpredictability and the often unconscious inspirations that propel people to pursue paths that are less standard or riskier. For Carpenter, understood for his activism and progressive concepts, the declaration reflects his decision to live a life more engaged with the world and social concerns, rather than pulling away into singular intellectualism.

In amount, this quote encapsulates a universal human experience: the tension in between the lure of convenience and security versus the call of a life of function and engagement. It highlights how critical life options might not constantly stem from clear rationale, but possibly from a minute of uncertainty followed by a leap of faith.