He doesn't know anything except facts

He doesn't know anything except facts

James Thurber was an American author and cartoonist known for his witty and humorous writing style. One of the recurring themes in Thurber's work is the idea of characters who are limited in their understanding of the world around them. In many of his stories, there is a character who is so focused on facts and logic that they are unable to see the bigger picture or understand the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

One of the most famous examples of this theme in Thurber's work is the character of Walter Mitty, a meek and mild-mannered man who escapes his mundane life through elaborate daydreams. In the story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," Mitty is constantly berated by his domineering wife for his absent-mindedness and lack of attention to detail. However, Mitty's daydreams allow him to escape into a world where he is a heroic figure, capable of great feats and daring adventures.

In this context, the phrase "He doesn't know anything except facts" could be applied to Walter Mitty's wife, who is so focused on the practical details of life that she is unable to appreciate the richness of her husband's imagination. She is constantly trying to bring Mitty back down to earth, reminding him of his forgetfulness and lack of focus. However, she fails to see that Mitty's daydreams are a coping mechanism for his dissatisfaction with his mundane existence.

Thurber uses this theme to explore the idea that there is more to life than just facts and logic. While it is important to be grounded in reality, there is also value in imagination and creativity. Characters like Walter Mitty remind us that sometimes it is necessary to look beyond the surface of things and embrace the unknown and the unexpected.