---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Writing fiction has become a priestly…"
description: "\"Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.\" — Gore Vidal"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4dd/gore-vidal-466_business_writing-fiction-has-become-a-priestly-bu_3046276.jpg"
---

#  Writing fiction has become a priestly business in…

![“Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.” quote by Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4dd/gore-vidal-466_business_writing-fiction-has-become-a-priestly-bu_3046276.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4dd/gore-vidal-466_business_writing-fiction-has-become-a-priestly-bu_3046276.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4dd/gore-vidal-466_business_writing-fiction-has-become-a-priestly-bu_3046276.jpg)

> “Writing fiction has become a priestly business in countries that have lost their faith.”

[Gore Vidal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gore-vidal/)

## About This Quote

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

He critiques modern fiction as a quasi‑religious vocation in societies lacking faith, implying a loss of spiritual depth.

**In simple terms:** Fiction has become a religious‑like practice where faith is missing.

Key Takeaway

Seek deeper meaning beyond mere storytelling.

Themes

literature religion culture spirituality

Mood

critical philosophical

Type

analytical observational

When to use this quote

- writing workshops
- literary criticism
- philosophical debate
- theology

Key Concepts

secularization artistic purpose cultural decay

Questions to Reflect On

- Can fiction serve spiritual needs without religion?
- What defines sacredness in art?

A Different Perspective

Such a view may undervalue secular artistic value.

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