Agreed. I think part of the venomous nature of the remark that the author is getting at is that it automatically assumes you've understood him completely: "I ha

Agreed. I think part of the venomous nature of the remark that the author is getting at is that it automatically assumes you've understood him completely: "I have looked on your works, and the only worthwhile conclusion is that your passions are stupid". Seeing something different and declaring "that's just stupid" feels like you've summed it all up and are ready to move on (and that anyone who disagrees should expect a similar appraisal). My dad was always fond of saying "Knowing is a barrier which prevents learning". I'm sure he stole it from somewhere...