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University printing presses exist, and are subsidised by…

“University printing presses exist, and are subsidised by the Government for the purpose of producing books which no one can read; and they are true to their high calling.” quote by Francis Cornford
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“University printing presses exist, and are subsidised by the Government for the purpose of producing books which no one can read; and they are true to their high calling.”

Francis Cornford

About This Quote

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

Government-funded presses produce books that are unreadable, yet they claim noble purpose.

In simple terms: Presses make unreadable books, claiming high purpose.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of output without audience.

Themes

education publishing government purpose paradox

Mood

skeptical critical

Type

analytical critical

When to use this quote

  • academic publishing
  • government funding
  • library acquisitions

Key Concepts

public policy information overload literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is a noble mission enough to justify the work?
  • How does unreadability affect cultural value?
A Different Perspective

The claim of high calling may mask wasteful spending.

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