Skip to content

Basic truth about the colonies, Heaslop. Any time there’s…

“Basic truth about the colonies, Heaslop. Any time there’s trouble, you can put it down to books. Too many of the wrong ideas getting into the heads of the wrong sorts of people. If ever the Empire comes to ruin, Heaslop, mark my words, the British publisher will be to blame.” quote by Shashi Tharoor
Download Open image
““Basic truth about the colonies, Heaslop. Any time there’s trouble, you can put it down to books. Too many of the wrong ideas getting into the heads of the wrong sorts of people. If ever the Empire comes to ruin, Heaslop, mark my words, the British publisher will be to blame.””

Shashi Tharoor

About This Quote

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

Blames publishing for spreading harmful ideas that destabilize empires.

In simple terms: Wrong ideas spread through books.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate sources and ideas.

Themes

history media responsibility

Mood

critical analytical

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • education curriculum
  • media literacy
  • policy making
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

information theory propaganda colonial critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What role do readers play in shaping ideas?
  • How can societies guard against harmful propaganda?
A Different Perspective

Not all books are equally influential.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Shashi Tharoor

Explore all 153 Shashi Tharoor quotes

More Time quotes

Browse all 215,255 Time quotes