This quote suggests that while anyone can lead a frivolous, or carefree and not serious, life, to be a frivolous writer requires more than just whimsy. It demands taste and intelligence. This is because writing involves communicating ideas effectively to others. Even if the subject matter is light-hearted or superficial, doing it well requires a certain level of sophistication.
Taste refers to discernment or aesthetic judgment. A writer with taste can identify what will appeal to readers, even when dealing with seemingly trivial topics. They understand the nuances of language and how best to use it for their purpose.
Intelligence in this context doesn’t necessarily mean being highly knowledgeable on various subjects but rather having the mental acuity to present simple things in an interesting way that engages readers.
Applying this idea in today’s world would mean understanding that even seemingly insignificant tasks require skill and thoughtfulness if they are done well. For example, one might dismiss social media as frivolous but managing a successful social media account requires understanding audience trends, crafting engaging content – all of which require taste and intelligence.
In terms of personal development, this quote could inspire us not to dismiss our hobbies or interests as trivial but instead see them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. We might enjoy something considered ‘frivolous’ like baking novelty cakes or writing fan fiction but doing these things well can help develop skills such as creativity, attention-to-detail and storytelling ability which are valuable in many areas of life.
