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Good writing, and this is especially important in a…

“Good writing, and this is especially important in a subject such as economics, must also involve the reader in the matter at hand. It is not enough to explain. The images that are in the mind of the writer must be made to reappear in the mind of the reader, and it is the absence of this ability…” quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
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“Good writing, and this is especially important in a subject such as economics, must also involve the reader in the matter at hand. It is not enough to explain. The images that are in the mind of the writer must be made to reappear in the mind of the reader, and it is the absence of this ability that causes much economic writing to be condemned, quite properly, as abstract.”

John Kenneth Galbraith

About This Quote

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

Economic writing should create vivid mental images for readers, not remain abstract, to avoid being condemned as meaningless.

In simple terms: Write economics with clear, relatable images.

Key Takeaway

Make ideas visual and concrete.

Themes

economics communication clarity

Mood

analytical educational

Type

academic instructional

When to use this quote

  • teaching economics
  • writing workshops
  • public policy briefs

Key Concepts

visualization pedagogy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you translate abstract data into everyday language?
  • What images help you grasp economic concepts?
A Different Perspective

Complex data may resist simplification.

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