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
One of my greatest pleasures in my writing has come from the thought that perhaps my work might annoy someone of comfortably pretentious position. Then comes the realization that such people rarely read.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the joy of writing for one's own truth rather than for the approval of pretentious critics.
John Kenneth Galbraith reflects on the pleasure he derives from the idea that his writing might unsettle those who are comfortably pretentious. This indicates a rebellious spirit against the conventional and an acknowledgment that those who possess a shallow understanding of art or literature often overlook authentic expressions, allowing the writer to find freedom in their work without concern for their judgments.
Themes
WritingCriticismArtPretentiousnessAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
In a blog post discussing artistic integrity, one might quote Galbraith to emphasize the importance of writing for oneself.
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
Reason is a crutch for age, but youth is strong enough to walk alone.
John DrydenRead
We are all of us obliged, if we are to make reality endurable, to nurse a few little follies in ourselves.
Marcel ProustRead
Shortly after I met my mentor he asked me, ‘Mr. Rohn, how much money have you saved and invested over the last six years?’ And I said, ‘None.’ He then asked, ‘Who sold you on that plan?’
Jim RohnRead
It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement. Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs, therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity or undue depression in adversity.
IsocratesRead
Even success softens not the heart of the envious.
PindarRead
Do not grow old, no matter how long you live. Never cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we were born.
Albert EinsteinRead