Invisible Man. Ralph Ellison.

Name that Novel:

"Avoid this gentle poison by figuring out ways you can mock the system by taking from it what it needs to give you to maintain your writing, and give it nothing back in return."

Didn't end well for Ellison, iirc, in terms of output. Still, many intelligent young people seem to emulate that lifestyle... for a time.

It's no doubt temporarily appealing to those undergoing rapid disillusionment -- the dropping out idea -- and for that reason, Ellison's slim output will have eternal life wherever young people still read.

Especially as "underground" reading in totalitarian societies.

21st Century international market and all.