"Perhaps it is of more value to infuriate philosophers than to go along with them"

Wallace Stevens' quote, "Perhaps it is of more value to infuriate philosophers than to support them", suggests a provocative stance towards the discipline of philosophy and, more broadly, the pursuit of knowledge and the nature of intellectual discourse. By implying that there might be more value in challenging thinkers rather than simply agreeing with them, Stevens welcomes us to think about the benefits of important thinking, dissent, and intellectual disturbance.

Theorists have long been viewed as the vanguards of thought, engaging with fundamental concerns of presence, morality, and knowledge. Traditionally, lining up with their ideas may suggest an unified pursuit of fact. Nevertheless, Stevens pushes against this inclination, proposing that development and progress often require challenging established standards and ideas. By exasperating thinkers-- who signify intellectual authority and the status quo-- one takes part in a vibrant process of questioning and re-evaluation.

This technique highlights the value of suspicion in philosophical query. Intellectual progress is typically spurred by a determination to challenge existing paradigms and authorities. Stevens' words echo the sentiment that real understanding is born not from passive agreement but from strenuous dispute and even dispute. When philosophers are exasperated, it typically means that their concepts are being checked and pressed to their limits, which can cause deeper insights and advancements.

Moreover, this viewpoint underscores the worth of independent idea and the courage to hold contrarian views. It recommends that societal or specific advancement is assisted in by those who attempt to question and disturb comfy certainties. Hence, Stevens champions a form of intellectual bravery, suggesting that discord and dispute are more efficient and informing than simple submission.

In a wider sense, this quote also speaks with the human condition and our pursuit of significance. It challenges us to accept intricacy and debate as essential to the pursuit of knowledge, reflecting the belief that maturity and growth often stem from battling with challenging truths and diverse perspectives.