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 βIf all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
All successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Money differs from an automobile or mistress in being equally important to those who have it and those who do not.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage.
John Kenneth GalbraithRead
Similar quotes
A book should serve as an axe to the ice inside us.
Franz KafkaRead
I write not only what I want to read...I write all the things I should have been able to read.
Alice WalkerRead
Books are masters who instruct us without rods or ferules, without words or anger, without bread or money. _x000D_ If you approach them, they are not asleep; If you seek them, they do not hide; _x000D_ If you blunder, they do not scold; if you are ignorant, they do not laugh at you.
Richard De BuryRead
The young writer should learn to spot them: words that at first glance seem freighted with delicious meaning, but that soon burst in the air, leaving nothing but a memory of bright sound.
E. B. WhiteRead
I've never studied anything formally. I was excluded from school at the age of 17, so I am an autodidact, which is a word that I have taught myself.
Alan MooreRead
I've probably saved thousands of peoples' lives with my educational message on snake bites, how to get in around venomous anything.
Steve IrwinRead