In the mind of all, fiction, in the logical sense, has…
“In the mind of all, fiction, in the logical sense, has been the coin of necessity;—in that of poets of amusement—in that of the priest and the lawyer of mischievous immorality in the shape of mischievous ambition,—and too often both priest and lawyer have framed or made in part this instrument.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Fiction serves practical needs for poets, priests, and lawyers, often shaping morality and ambition.
In simple terms: Stories fulfill functional roles for various professions.
Key Takeaway
Recognize fiction’s influence on ethics.
Themes
ethics
literature
power
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
instructive
When to use this quote
- education
- law
- politics
- media criticism
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
narrative
socialcontrol
Questions to Reflect On
- How does narrative shape moral judgments?
- When does storytelling become propaganda?
A Different Perspective
Fiction can manipulate rather than enlighten.