We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the potential harm in accepting news as truth without scrutiny, suggesting that misinformation can have severe consequences.
E. L. Doctorow's quote highlights the critical distinction between fictional narratives crafted by novelists and the information presented in newspapers, which is often taken at face value. He warns that while a novelist's stories are clearly identified as fiction, the 'facts' reported in media can be misleading and may carry grave implications, including the incitement of conflict or wars. This statement implicitly calls for a more discerning approach to consuming news and recognizing the weight of public narratives.
Themes
NewsTruthMisinformationMediaConflict
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about media literacy, one can use this quote to emphasize the importance of verifying information.
More from E. L. Doctorow
All quotes βOne of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.
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In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
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Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
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