Compare, for example, seventeenth century writers with…
““Compare, for example, seventeenth century writers with those of the eighteenth. What a difference in tone and gait! The former, under a veneer of servility, have the most noble and proud stance… They do not pretend to reign. They merely stand at their place, recognize the place of a superior power beyond, give themselves completely to their writing task, dismiss the temptation of advertising and demonstrate their professional dedication. On the other hand, look at the Voltaire, Diderot and the like: they open well the era of intellectuals, writing stooges as they are, courtiers of princes they flatter and despise at the same time—something they are forced to do as they want to usurp their power… Their courtier nature reveals in everything they do… The whole eighteenth century, both spiritual and plain on a scoundrel background, is libertine, and already pornographic: such is the start of literary mercantilism; people of letters make money out of their writings, pretend to financial independence, and they write garbage to flatter the opinion of their public.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Eighteenth‑century writers shifted from noble dedication to commercial, often superficial, literary production driven by patronage.
In simple terms: Writers moved from devotion to market focus.
Key Takeaway
Value authentic literary purpose.
Themes
literature
history
commercialism
authenticity
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
Financial independence:1
Intellectuals:1
Writing:1
Eighteenth Century:1
Writings Pretend:0
Writers Eighteenth:0
Look Voltaire:0
Intellectuals Writing:0
When to use this quote
- academic research
- publishing
- creative writing
Key Concepts
cultural studies
economics of art
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does patronage shape art?
- What defines literary integrity today?
A Different Perspective
Not all writers were mercantile.