It is better, however, for his own reputation that the…
“It is better, however, for his own reputation that the story-teller should risk a few actions for libel on account of these unfortunate coincidences than that he should adopt the melancholy device of using blanks or asterisks.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He suggests using explicit details, even risky ones, preserves credibility better than vague placeholders.
In simple terms: Specifics protect reputation better than blanks.
Key Takeaway
Prefer concrete detail over vague censorship.
Themes
integrity
writing
credibility
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
literary
ethical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- historical fiction
- editing
- publishing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
journalism
ethical storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance truth with potential harm?
- When is omission preferable to detail?
A Different Perspective
Risking libel can still damage reputation if unverified.