to look at things with one's own eyes, rather than through certified glasses graciously handed down by some more or less vast group of people, invested with authority for one reason or another
But it was your brilliance that led you astray. It is difficult to be brilliant and conservative; there is little charm for active minds, in standing for tradition and authority
It has always been clear to me while I was writing this testimonial that it could not please everybody. In fact, it's quite possible that I've found a way to disappoint everyone.