Skip to content

Everything goes by the board: honor, pride, decency…

“Everything goes by the board: honor, pride, decency . . . to get the book written. If a writer has to rob his mother, he will not hesitate; the “Ode on a Grecian Urn” is worth any number of old ladies.” quote by William Faulkner
Download Open image
““Everything goes by the board: honor, pride, decency . . . to get the book written. If a writer has to rob his mother, he will not hesitate; the “Ode on a Grecian Urn” is worth any number of old ladies.””

William Faulkner

About This Quote

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

Artists may sacrifice morality for art, valuing creation over conventional ethics.

In simple terms: Art may demand moral compromise.

Key Takeaway

Weigh ethical costs.

Themes

ethics artistic sacrifice morality

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • creative writing
  • journalism

Key Concepts

literature philosophy creative drive

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is art worth moral compromise?
  • How do you define ethical boundaries?
A Different Perspective

Such sacrifice can damage personal integrity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Faulkner

Explore all 673 William Faulkner quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,378 Book quotes