"The air of ideas is the only air worth breathing"

In this quote, Edith Wharton is highlighting the value of ideas and their effect on our lives. She suggests that the air we breathe, which is vital for our survival, need to also be filled with ideas. This implies that concepts are not just simple thoughts, but they have the power to form our presence and make it worth living. Wharton is highlighting the significance of intellectual stimulation and the requirement for consistent growth and learning. She believes that without the air of concepts, our lives would be stagnant and unfulfilling. For that reason, she encourages us to welcome and look for originalities, as they are the only air worth breathing.