"The easiest way to get a reputation is to go outside the fold, shout around for a few years as a violent atheist or a dangerous radical, and then crawl back to the shelter"

F. Scott Fitzgerald's quote suggests that it is simple to acquire a track record by taking an extreme stance on certain problems. By going against the grain and loudly declaring one's beliefs, even if they are severe, one can quickly gain notoriety. However, Fitzgerald implies that this is just a temporary solution, as ultimately one must return to the security of the fold. This quote implies that it is easy to gain a credibility, however it is difficult to maintain it. It recommends that a person need to want to take risks and wait their beliefs in order to genuinely make a long lasting impression.