"The materials of the novelist must be real; they must be gathered from the field of humanity by his actual observation"

Goldwin Smith's quote recommends that the author must draw from real life experiences in order to create their work. This suggests that the novelist must observe the world around them and use individuals and events they witness as the basis for their stories. This remains in contrast to the concept of writing simply from imagination, as Smith recommends that the author should draw from reality in order to develop a credible and appealing story. By doing this, the author can produce a story that is both relatable and sensible. Smith's quote highlights the significance of observation in the imaginative process, as it is only through observation that the novelist can acquire the needed insight into the human experience.