where I have seen good I shall speak of it with pleasure…
“where I have seen good I shall speak of it with pleasure, and where I have seen the reverse, I shall try to be silent; for a book is meant to give pleasure, and pain that is inflicted in black and white lasts for ever.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She argues that writing should bring joy, not lasting pain, so she chooses to speak of good and stay silent about bad.
In simple terms: Write to please, avoid causing lasting hurt.
Key Takeaway
Share positivity, omit negativity.
Themes
joy
ethics
literature
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- publishing
- personal essays
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Aesthetic pleasure
pain of permanence
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it always better to stay silent about negativity?
- How does lasting pain affect readers?
A Different Perspective
Silence may hide important truths.