Skip to content

Acknowledgments Quote by Christopher Hitchens

“Authors who moan with praise for their editors always seem to reek slightly of the Stockholm syndrome.” quote by Christopher Hitchens
Download Open image
“Authors who moan with praise for their editors always seem to reek slightly of the Stockholm syndrome.”

Christopher Hitchens

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Atlantic, “The Editor’s Role”, 2005

Writers who overpraise editors may be overly dependent, reflecting a psychological attachment to authority.

In simple terms: Overpraising editors shows unhealthy dependence.

Key Takeaway

Recognize genuine critique over flattery.

Themes

power dynamics dependency creative control

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical observational

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • career mentorship
  • self‑esteem
  • professional boundaries

Key Concepts

Stockholm syndrome author-editor relationship

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you value feedback for its merit or its source?
  • How does dependency affect creative freedom?
A Different Perspective

Such praise can mask underlying insecurities.

3.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Christopher Hitchens

Explore all 1,241 Christopher Hitchens quotes

More Acknowledgments quotes

Browse all 8 Acknowledgments quotes