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
Good writing, and this is especially important in a subject such as economics, must also involve the reader in the matter at hand. It is not enough to explain. The images that are in the mind of the writer must be made to reappear in the mind of the reader, and it is the absence of this ability that causes much economic writing to be condemned, quite properly, as abstract.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good writing should engage the reader and make complex subjects relatable and vivid.
John Kenneth Galbraith emphasizes the importance of engaging writing in the field of economics, arguing that mere explanation is insufficient. Effective writing requires that the writer's mental images and concepts are vividly conveyed to the reader, enabling them to grasp and connect with the material, rather than leaving it abstract and confusing. This ability to create a shared understanding is crucial to effective communication in any field, particularly in something as intricate as economics.
Themes
WritingEconomicsEngagementCommunicationClarity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a workshop on effective writing techniques.
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