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Books Quote by John Galsworthy

“Every reader of a newspaper felt that the more he or she heard about what was doubtful, sensational, and unsavoury, the better for his or her soul. One knew that, without coroners’ inquests, there would often be no published enquiry at all into sensational death; and never two enquiries. If, then…” quote by John Galsworthy
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““Every reader of a newspaper felt that the more he or she heard about what was doubtful, sensational, and unsavoury, the better for his or her soul. One knew that, without coroners’ inquests, there would often be no published enquiry at all into sensational death; and never two enquiries. If, then, in place of no enquiry one could always have one enquiry, and in place of one enquiry sometimes have two enquiries, how much pleasanter! The dislike which one had for being nosy disappeared the moment one got into a crowd. The nosier one could be in a crowd the happier one felt. And the oftener one could find room in a Coroner’s Court, the greater the thankfulness to Heaven. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” could never go up more fervently than from the hearts of such as had been privileged to find seats at an enquiry about death. For an enquiry about death nearly always meant the torture of the living, and than that was anything more calculated to give pleasure?””

John Galsworthy

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Forsyte Saga, 1906

People are drawn to sensational news and death inquiries because they provide excitement and a sense of purpose.

In simple terms: Sensational news thrills and gives purpose.

Key Takeaway

Question the allure of sensationalism.

Themes

media human curiosity morality

Mood

cynical analytical

Type

literary social commentary

When to use this quote

  • news consumption
  • courtroom attendance
  • social gatherings
  • online forums

Key Concepts

sensationalism death fascination

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why are you attracted to sensational stories?
  • How does this affect your view of humanity?
A Different Perspective

Such fascination can desensitize empathy.

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