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Books Quote by Charles Dickens

“If any preposterous bill were brought forward, for giving poor grubbing devils of authors a right to their own property I should like to say, that I for one would never consent to opposing an insurmountable bar to the diffusion of literature among the people...” quote by Charles Dickens
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““If any preposterous bill were brought forward, for giving poor grubbing devils of authors a right to their own property I should like to say, that I for one would never consent to opposing an insurmountable bar to the diffusion of literature among the people...””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: Little Dorrit, 1857

The speaker argues that granting authors absolute property rights would block public access to literature, which is detrimental to society.

In simple terms: Absolute author rights would hinder public access to books.

Key Takeaway

Support open access to literature.

Themes

freedom of expression property rights public access literature

Mood

concerned critical

Type

political literary

When to use this quote

  • publishing industry
  • libraries
  • education policy
  • digital media
  • author contracts

Key Concepts

copyright law public domain information equity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we fairly reward authors while ensuring widespread access?
  • What limits should exist on intellectual property?
A Different Perspective

Balancing author compensation with public interest is complex.

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