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That Plato's Republic should have been admired, on its…

“That Plato's Republic should have been admired, on its political side, by decent people, is perhaps the most astonishing example of literary snobbery in all history.” quote by Bertrand Russell
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“That Plato's Republic should have been admired, on its political side, by decent people, is perhaps the most astonishing example of literary snobbery in all history.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Russell criticizes the tendency to value works solely for their political usefulness, ignoring their artistic merit.

In simple terms: Literary snobbery ignores artistic value.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate art beyond politics.

Themes

literature politics criticism

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical commentary

When to use this quote

  • reading classic works
  • teaching literature
  • public discourse
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

aesthetic value ideological bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • Should art be judged by politics?
  • What is the role of aesthetics in public life?
A Different Perspective

Political relevance alone may overlook deeper truths.

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