Skip to content

Never walk over a writer, I said to myself, unless you're…

“Never walk over a writer, I said to myself, unless you're positive he can't rise up behind you. If you're going to burn him, make sure he's dead. Because if he's alive, he will talk: talk in written form, on the printed, permanent page.” quote by Philip K. Dick
Download Open image
““Never walk over a writer, I said to myself, unless you're positive he can't rise up behind you. If you're going to burn him, make sure he's dead. Because if he's alive, he will talk: talk in written form, on the printed, permanent page.””

Philip K. Dick

About This Quote

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

Do not suppress others' voices; if they survive, they will speak truthfully, possibly challenging you.

In simple terms: Let writers rise; silencing backfires.

Key Takeaway

Respect creative voices.

Themes

freedom creativity power dynamics

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literary criticism
  • publishing
  • artistic collaboration

Key Concepts

censorship authorial control

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you support emerging writers?
  • What are the risks of suppressing dissent?
A Different Perspective

Silencing may be seen as oppression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Philip K. Dick

Explore all 489 Philip K. Dick quotes

More Writer quotes

Browse all 43,858 Writer quotes