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Accounts Quote by George Saunders

“When you write an essay, of course you're going to get pushback, but you're going to be allowed to make your case at leisure. You're going to be allowed to take into account possible objections and to fully humanize your reader. That feels to me like a much more sane thing to do.” quote by George Saunders
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“When you write an essay, of course you're going to get pushback, but you're going to be allowed to make your case at leisure. You're going to be allowed to take into account possible objections and to fully humanize your reader. That feels to me like a much more sane thing to do.”

George Saunders

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Art of Argument", The New Yorker, 2020

He argues that writing essays allows thoughtful, measured responses to criticism, fostering empathy and clearer communication.

In simple terms: Essays let you respond calmly and thoughtfully.

Key Takeaway

Use essays to address objections thoughtfully.

Themes

communication empathy critical thinking

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • policy debate
  • public discourse
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

rhetoric dialogue humanization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance thoroughness with timeliness?
  • When is a concise reply better than a detailed essay?
A Different Perspective

Risk of over‑analysis slowing decisive action.

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