"The test of an author is not to be found merely in the number of his phrases that pass current in the corner of newspapers... but in the number of passages that have really taken root in younger minds"
About this Quote
Thomas W. Higginson's quote highlights the deeper and more long lasting effect of an author's work beyond mere popularity or superficial acknowledgment. At its core, the statement challenges the tendency to measure an author's success by the frequency with which their phrases appear in the media or in casual conversations. Instead, Higginson recommends that true literary achievement lies in the author's capability to affect and motivate the minds of younger generations.
The phrase "expressions that pass current in the corner of papers" refers to the short-term nature of popular phrases or headlines that for a short time catch public attention. These phrases, while they may indicate a particular level of notoriety, do not always show the extensive influence or enduring worth of an author's work. On the other hand, "the variety of passages that have actually truly taken root in more youthful minds" mentions the transformative power of literature to shape ideas, values, and perspectives gradually.
Higginson's quote implies that the supreme measure of an author's worth remains in their capacity to resonate with readers at a much deeper level, stimulating reflection, inspiration, and change within them. When passages "take root", they become an integral part of a reader's worldview, influencing their thoughts and actions long after the words were first encountered. This enduring impact is especially substantial in more youthful readers, as their minds are still forming, open to originalities that can guide their development.
In general, Higginson is advocating for a wider understanding of success in literature, one that values the enduring impact of an author's work over fleeting recognition. By rooting their ideas deeply in the minds of the next generation, authors contribute to a progressing cultural and intellectual legacy, shaping the society of the future in meaningful ways.
