Book Quote by Francis Cornford
“University printing presses exist, and are subsidised by the Government for the purpose of producing books which no one can read; and they are true to their high calling.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The University Presses, 1930s, UK policy report
Government-funded presses produce books that are unreadable, yet they claim noble purpose.
In simple terms: Presses make unreadable books, claiming high purpose.
Key Takeaway
Question the value of output without audience.
Themes
education
publishing
government
purpose
paradox
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic publishing
- government funding
- library acquisitions
Key Concepts
public policy
information overload
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a noble mission enough to justify the work?
- How does unreadability affect cultural value?
A Different Perspective
The claim of high calling may mask wasteful spending.
