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Nobody these days holds the written word in such high…

“Nobody these days holds the written word in such high esteem as police states do,' Arkadian Porpirych says. 'What statistic allows one to identify the nations where literature enjoys true consideration better than the sums appropriated for controlling it and suppressing it? Where it is the object…” quote by Italo Calvino
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““Nobody these days holds the written word in such high esteem as police states do,' Arkadian Porpirych says. 'What statistic allows one to identify the nations where literature enjoys true consideration better than the sums appropriated for controlling it and suppressing it? Where it is the object of such attentions, literature gains an extraordinary authority, inconceivable in countries where it is allowed to vegetate as an innocuous pastime, without risks.””

Italo Calvino

About This Quote

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

Literature thrives when valued, but oppressive regimes suppress it, limiting its societal authority.

In simple terms: Literature's power depends on societal respect.

Key Takeaway

Protect and value literature.

Themes

culture literature authoritarianism

Mood

thoughtful hopeful

Type

cultural political

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy making
  • media freedom
  • public awareness

Key Concepts

censorship social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies safeguard literary freedom?
  • What role does literature play in resisting oppression?
A Different Perspective

Even valued literature can be co‑opted by power.

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