Every successful revolution puts on in time the robes of the tyrant it has deposed.
Barbara W. TuchmanRead
The writer's object is - or should be - to hold the reader's attention.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writers should aim to engage and captivate their readers.
This quote emphasizes the primary responsibility of a writer, which is to captivate their audience. Engaging the reader is essential for effective writing, as it ensures that the message is not only delivered but also received with interest and enthusiasm.
Themes
WriterAttentionEngagementReadingWriting
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on storytelling, this quote highlights the importance of reader engagement.
More from Barbara W. Tuchman
All quotes →If a man is a writer, everybody tiptoes around past the locked door of the breadwinner. But if you're an ordinary female housewife, people say, 'This is just something Barbara wanted to do; it's not professional.'
Barbara W. TuchmanRead
Similar quotes
I've been at this for 40 years. And, as an academic, I've been content with relatively small audiences, with the thought that the audience I long for will find its way eventually to what I have written, provided that what I have written is good enough.
Stephen GreenblattRead
As Americans, we rightfully place tremendous value on having a free and independent press. Our role as journalists is to give voice to the voiceless, and hold our leaders and institutions accountable. But the circle is only completed when that information is consumed by a free-thinking and engaged audience.
Lester HoltRead
I grew up in an atmosphere where words were an integral part of culture.
Wole SoyinkaRead
The ideal of an all-sided education for youth had always been close to my heart. I saw clearly the arid results of ordinary instruction, aimed only at the development of body and intellect.
Paramahansa YoganandaRead
I don’t think people realise how vital libraries are or what a colossal danger it would be if we were to lose any more. Having had a truncated school life myself, all of my education from the age of 17 has been self-taught. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the opportunities the library gave me.
Alan MooreRead
I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural ability.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead