Meaning: The quote by Arnold Bennett poses an interesting question about the vastness of human knowledge and the expectations placed upon individuals in society. Bennett was an English writer and journalist who lived from 1867 to 1931, during a time when literacy and access to books were expanding, and the concept of a well-read person was taking on new significance. In this quote, Bennett reflects on the idea of a person who has read all, or at least a significant portion, of what is considered essential for someone of average cultural knowledge to have read. He suggests that such a feat would require an extraordinary amount of time and experience, leading to the conclusion that if such a being does exist, they must be very old.

Bennett's quote highlights the ever-expanding nature of human knowledge and the impracticality of expecting any individual to have consumed all the information deemed important by society. The notion of a "social sin" for not having read certain works speaks to the societal pressure and expectations placed upon individuals to be well-read and culturally informed. This pressure can create feelings of inadequacy and a sense of falling short of societal standards.

In today's world, the quote remains relevant as the volume of information available continues to grow exponentially. The digital age has brought about an unprecedented accessibility to written material, further complicating the idea of what it means to be well-read. The proliferation of online articles, blogs, e-books, and other digital content adds to the already extensive canon of literature and knowledge that individuals are expected to engage with.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of cultural literacy and the criteria by which one is deemed well-read. What constitutes the "essential" works that a person of average culture should have read? Is it classic literature, contemporary bestsellers, philosophical treatises, scientific discoveries, or a combination of these and more? The diversity of human knowledge and the breadth of cultural expression make it nearly impossible for any individual to have encountered and absorbed all that is considered important for a person of average cultural knowledge.

Additionally, the quote touches on the role of age and experience in acquiring knowledge. Bennett suggests that if there were a person who had consumed all the expected cultural knowledge, they would be very old. This raises the question of whether the accumulation of knowledge is a lifelong pursuit and whether it is even possible to fully achieve the status of being "well-read" within a single lifetime.

In conclusion, Arnold Bennett's quote prompts reflection on the vastness of human knowledge, the societal expectations placed upon individuals, and the ever-evolving nature of cultural literacy. It serves as a reminder of the impossibility of fully comprehending the breadth of human knowledge and the importance of recognizing the limitations of individual experience. In today's world, where information is more accessible than ever, the quote continues to resonate, challenging us to reconsider our expectations of cultural literacy and the pressures we place on ourselves and others to be "well-read."