Book Quote by John Kenneth Galbraith
“A bad book is the worse that it cannot repent. It has not been the devil's policy to keep the masses of mankind in ignorance; but finding that they will read, he is doing all in his power to poison their books.”
About This Quote
A harmful book cannot repent; the author’s intent may be to keep people ignorant, yet the act of reading gives the book power to corrupt minds.
In simple terms: Bad books poison readers despite lacking remorse.
Key Takeaway
Reading harmful material spreads ignorance.
Themes
literature
ethics
knowledge
influence
ignorance
Mood
cautionary
skeptical
Type
maxim
warning
When to use this quote
- censorship debates
- educational curriculum design
- media literacy training
- book club discussions
Key Concepts
propaganda
cognitive susceptibility
Practical Applications
- Promote critical reading skills
- Implement content warnings
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria distinguish harmful from thought‑provoking literature?
- How does reader agency affect a book’s impact?
A Different Perspective
Not all controversial books are malicious; some challenge prevailing ideas and foster progress.
