Censor Quote by J. M. Coetzee
“Censorship is not an occupation that attracts intelligent, subtle minds. Censors can and often have been outwitted. But the game of slipping Aesopian messages past the censor is ultimately a sterile one, diverting writers from their proper task.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on Censorship, J. M. Coetzee, 1995
Censorship stifles clever thinkers; they find ways around it, but this sidetracks writers from meaningful work.
In simple terms: Censorship blocks talent, forcing clever work to go underground.
Key Takeaway
Focus on authentic expression, not on outwitting censors.
Themes
censorship
creativity
intellectual freedom
writing
politics
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- fiction writing
- political activism
- academic research
Key Concepts
subversion
strategic communication
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How does censorship affect artistic integrity?
- When is it justified to bypass censorship?
A Different Perspective
Censorship can also protect vulnerable groups from harmful content.
![“[Censors are] people with secret attractions to various temptations... They are defending themselves under the pretext of defending others, because at heart they fear their own weaknesses.” quote by Ernest Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1d4/ernest-jones-36409_attraction_censors-are-people-with-secret-attractio_103107.jpg)
![“To be clear, Goodreads staff have not been deleting any posts. A value we've always had here is that we don't censor content (unless it's against our policies - eg porn, etc). [April 1, 2013]” quote by Otis Y. Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/180/otis-y-chandler-100396_censor_to-be-clear-goodreads-staff-have-not-bee_210311.jpg)
