Books seem to me to be pestilent things, and infect all…
“Books seem to me to be pestilent things, and infect all that trade in them...with something very perverse and brutal. Printers, binders, sellers, and others that make a trade and gain out of them have universally so odd a turn and corruption of mind that they have a way of dealing peculiar to themselves, and not conformed to the good of society and that general fairness which cements mankind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Locke criticizes the publishing trade as corrupt and self‑serving, harming societal good.
In simple terms: Publishing is seen as morally corrupt.
Key Takeaway
Beware exploitation in media.
Themes
corruption
media
ethics
society
power
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- journalism
- publishing
- education
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
capitalism
moral decay
information control
Questions to Reflect On
- How does publishing shape public morality?
- Can profit and public good coexist?
A Different Perspective
Locke’s view may overlook the positive role of books in spreading knowledge.