One of the little-celebrated powers of Presidents (and other high government officials) is to listen to their critics with just enough sympathy to ensure their silence.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
A bad book is the worse that it cannot repent. It has not been the devil's policy to keep the masses of mankind in ignorance; but finding that they will read, he is doing all in his power to poison their books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns that bad literature can lead to ignorance and corruption of thought, emphasizing the importance of critical reading.
John Kenneth Galbraith's quote reflects the concern that poor-quality books can lead readers astray, suggesting that even though evil forces may not prevent people from reading, they can influence the content that readers engage with. The statement highlights the critical responsibility individuals have in discerning what to read, as literature can significantly shape thoughts, beliefs, and societal values.
Themes
BooksReadingLiteratureEducationIgnoranceThought
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of literature in education classes.
More from John Kenneth Galbraith
All quotes →If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error.
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Money differs from an automobile or mistress in being equally important to those who have it and those who do not.
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People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
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The schools would fail through their silence, the Church through its forgiveness, and the home through the denial and silence of the parents. The new generation has to hear what the older generation refuses to tell it.
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I've learned quite a lot, over the years, by avoiding what I was supposed to be learning.
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