“Since literary criticism, like professional criticism in general, is, by its original definition, a fruitless activity; since in world literature it is impossible to name a writer who has experienced the beneficial and positive influence of criticism, but there are many whose lives and nerves have been spoiled by criticism to one degree or another; Since the critic proceeds from one or another degree of destructive awareness of his own futility and inadequacy in any positive, creative areas of activity and makes it his profession to evaluate the activities of others, I am sincerely glad to have the opportunity to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and testify to my deep respect for that fortitude and courage, with which you overcome your illness, trying to earn a living by mental labor...”