Meaning: This quote by Iris Murdoch, an influential British author and philosopher, is a thought-provoking commentary on the significance of negative reviews and criticism. Murdoch's words suggest that the impact of a bad review is so minimal that it is comparable to the irrelevance of rainfall in a remote location like Patagonia. By likening a negative review to a meteorological event in a distant place, Murdoch dismisses its importance and implies that it should not hold significant weight in the grand scheme of things.

In the context of literature and creative works, reviews and critiques play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the success of a piece of art. Authors, filmmakers, and artists often eagerly anticipate reviews of their work, as these assessments can impact the reception and commercial performance of their creations. Positive reviews can boost sales, attract new audiences, and enhance an artist's reputation, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect, potentially deterring potential consumers and tarnishing an artist's standing in the industry.

However, Murdoch's quote challenges the conventional emphasis placed on reviews and criticism by suggesting that their impact is ultimately inconsequential. The comparison to the weather in Patagonia serves as a metaphor for the remoteness and detachment of a bad review from the essence and intrinsic value of the work itself. Just as the weather in a distant, isolated location may have little relevance to the daily lives of most individuals, a negative review should not significantly sway the perception of a creative work or its creator.

Murdoch's perspective raises important questions about the nature of criticism and its role in evaluating art. While constructive feedback and insightful critique can be valuable for artists seeking to improve their craft, the quote challenges the notion that a negative review should hold power over the artistic merit or worth of a work. It encourages artists and audiences to consider the broader context and enduring value of creative expression beyond the immediate impact of reviews and criticism.

From a philosophical standpoint, Murdoch's quote can also be interpreted as a reflection on the subjective nature of perception and evaluation. Just as the perception of weather conditions in Patagonia may vary in significance depending on one's location and priorities, the impact of a bad review can be subjective and contingent on individual perspectives. What may be deemed a scathing critique by one reviewer could be seen as inconsequential by another, and the ultimate value of a creative work may transcend the limitations of individual opinions and assessments.

In conclusion, Iris Murdoch's quote challenges the conventional emphasis on the significance of negative reviews and criticism. By likening a bad review to the inconsequential nature of rainfall in a remote location, Murdoch prompts artists and audiences to reconsider the enduring value of creative works beyond the immediate impact of reviews. Her words encourage a broader perspective on the role of criticism in evaluating art and highlight the subjective nature of perception and evaluation. Ultimately, Murdoch's quote invites contemplation on the resilience and enduring worth of creative expression in the face of critical assessments.