All writers who can claim to be called 'living' must be…
“All writers who can claim to be called 'living' must be political in a sense. They must have what the Quakers call a concern to understand what is happening in the world, and must engage themselves, in their writing, to promote no comfortable lies, of the sort which people will pay well to be told rather than the truth.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writers must engage with reality, avoiding comforting falsehoods, and address societal issues.
In simple terms: Writers should confront truth, not lie.
Write honestly about the world.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- fiction
- public discourse
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance truth and audience expectations?
- What responsibilities do writers have to society?
Truth can be unpopular and risky.