Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.
Interpretation
The act of writing fiction is regarded as a sacred duty in societies that lack spiritual beliefs.
Gore Vidal's quote suggests that in societies where people have diminished faith or belief in traditional spiritual practices, the role of fiction writers takes on an almost sacred nature. This indicates a profound need for meaning and storytelling as a substitute for lost faith, placing writers in a position of responsibility to create narratives that resonate with the human experience.
In practice
This quote can be used to inspire writers at a literary conference.
We must declare ourselves, become known; allow the world to discover this subterranean life of ours which connects kings and farm boys, artists and clerks. Let them see that the important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
American writers want to be not good but great; and so are neither.
The important thing is not the object of love, but the emotion itself.
For the average American, freedom of speech is simply the freedom to repeat what everyone else is saying and no more.
Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.
Envy is the central fact of American life.
His neigh is like the bidding of a monarch, and his countenance enforces homage. He is indeed a horse.
Fashion is about the present and the immediate future. I think in terms of now.
You a slave to a page in my rhyme book.
Homer has taught all other poets the art of telling lies skillfully.
Clarity, clarity, surely clarity is the most beautiful thing in the world, A limited, limiting clarity I have not and never did have any motive of poetry But to achieve clarity.
The stronger the participation of the female characters, the better the movie. They knew that in the old days, when women stars were equally as important as men.
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