This quote essentially underscores the tendency of people to judge a piece of work not by its content or quality, but by the reputation, fame or infamy of the person who created it. The focus is not on the work itself, but rather on the person behind it. This means that people neither praise nor criticise the actual writings, but rather pass judgments based on their opinions about the authors themselves.

This could be due to pre-conceived notions, biases, or even personal likes or dislikes towards the author. Therefore, the work of an author who is well-respected might be highly praised, even if it is mediocre, while the work of an author who is not well-known or disliked might be dismissed or criticised, even if it is of high quality.

Applying this idea to today’s world, it’s clear that this kind of bias is not just limited to the literary world. It extends to all areas of life, including politics, entertainment, sports, and even our personal relationships. For example, we might judge a movie not based on its plot or execution, but by the actors involved or the director’s past works. Similarly, we might judge a political policy not based on its merits and potential impact, but by the reputation of the politician or party proposing it.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to be more objective and fair in our judgments. It urges us to focus on the quality of the work or the idea itself, rather than being influenced by who is behind it. This can lead to more informed decisions and a more open-minded perspective.

Furthermore, it also suggests that we should strive to be recognised for the quality of our work, rather than our name or reputation. This can motivate us to consistently produce high-quality work and to continuously improve and develop our skills and abilities.