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The only reward to be expected from literature is contempt…

“The only reward to be expected from literature is contempt if one fails and hatred if one succeeds.” quote by Voltaire
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“The only reward to be expected from literature is contempt if one fails and hatred if one succeeds.”

Voltaire

About This Quote

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

Suggests literature yields contempt when failing and hatred when succeeding.

In simple terms: Literature brings harsh judgment.

Key Takeaway

Seek intrinsic value beyond external judgments.

Themes

literature society judgment

Mood

cynical reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • creative writing
  • public criticism
  • personal writing

Key Concepts

critical reception success failure

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you agree with this view?
  • How can creators stay resilient?
A Different Perspective

May generalize; not all literature follows this pattern.

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