So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom…
““So long as there shall exist, by reason of law and custom, a social condemnation, which, in the face of civilisation, artificially creates hells on earth, and complicates a destiny that is divine, with human fatality; so long as the three problems of the age — the degradation of man by poverty, the ruin of woman by starvation, and the dwarfing of childhood by physical and spiritual night — are not solved; so long as, in certain regions, social asphyxia shall be possible; in other words, and from a yet more extended point of view, so long as ignorance and misery remain on earth, books like this cannot be useless.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote argues that as long as societal injustices—poverty, hunger, child suffering, and widespread ignorance—persist, works exposing these truths remain essential.
In simple terms: Books exposing injustice stay vital while suffering exists.
Key Takeaway
Create and share works that reveal social .
Themes
justice
poverty
human rights
ignorance
compassion
Mood
somber
determined
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- activism
- education reform
- humanitarian aid
- public policy
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
social critique
human dignity
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What injustices can you highlight through your work?
- How can literature spur real-world action?
A Different Perspective
Even with awareness, systemic change is slow and resisted.