Language Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
“A writer who takes political, social or literary positions must act only with the means that are his. These means are the written words.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Existentialism is a Humanism, 1946
A writer must use only the tools inherent to their craft—words—to express political, social, or literary views.
In simple terms: Writers must rely on words to convey their positions.
Key Takeaway
Use language responsibly.
Themes
responsibility
expression
authorship
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political essays
- literary criticism
- social commentary
- public debates
Key Concepts
existentialism
ethical communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your writing creates real impact?
- Can words replace direct action?
A Different Perspective
Words may be limited in effect compared to action.
![“It will be practicable to blot written words which you do not publish; but the spoken word it is not possible to recall. [Lat., Delere licebit Quod non edideris; nescit vox missa reverti.]” quote by Horace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e58/horace-172_language_it-will-be-practicable-to-blot-written-w_981101.jpg)
![“[Stéphane Mallarmé] theory of the hermetic is a mistake, but he can be only difficult to read when he has difficult things to say.” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/35f/jean-paul-sartre-220_difficult_st-phane-mallarm-theory-of-the-hermetic_20348.jpg)
