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.
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
When I'm writing, I'm never trying to teach anything - maybe I'm trying to illuminate.
Judy BlumeRead
I have always felt that the true text-book for the pupil is his teacher
Mahatma GandhiRead
A teacher who establishes rapport with the taught, becomes one with them, learns more from them than he teaches them. He who learns nothing from his disciples is, in my opinion, worthless. Whenever I talk with someone I learn from him. I take from him more than I give him.
Mahatma GandhiRead
It is my firm belief that all successful languages are grown and not merely designed from first principles
Bjarne StroustrupRead
Violence is black children going to school for 12 years and receiving 6 years' worth of education.
Julian BondRead
We seek a constitutional amendment to permit voluntary school prayer. God should never have been expelled from America's classrooms in the first place.
Ronald ReaganRead