Your observation about my knowledge is something
I cannot accept; for in positive acquirements
I am even exceptionally ignorant. By purchasing
queer books and following odd subjects I have been
able to give myself the air of knowing more than I
do ; but none of my work would bear the scrutiny of
a specialist; I would like, however, to show you my
library. It cost me only about $2000; but every
volume is _queer_. Knowing that I have nothing
resembling genius, and that any ordinary talent
must be supplemented with some sort of curious
study in order to place it above the mediocre line,
I am striving to woo the Muse of the Odd, and
hope to succeed in thus attracting some little attention.
The Life and Letters of Lafcadio Hearn, volume 1, pp.290-291
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