The wickedness of a loose or profane author is more…
“The wickedness of a loose or profane author is more atrocious than that of a giddy libertine or drunken ravisher, not only because it extends its effects wider, as a pestilence that taints the air is more destructive than poison infused in a draught, but because it is committed with cool deliberation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A corrupt writer spreads harmful ideas widely and deliberately, causing more damage than overt immorality.
In simple terms: Bad writers poison society more than reckless behavior.
Key Takeaway
Guard against harmful ideas.
Themes
ethics
influence
literature
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- education
- media literacy
- publishing standards
Key Concepts
moral decay
propaganda
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we discern harmful influence?
- What responsibility do writers bear?
A Different Perspective
The impact of a writer's intent can be hard to measure.