Guidelines Quote by John Leonard
““I was going to suggest some hard-won guidelines for responsible reviewing. For instance: First, as in Hippocrates, do no harm. Second, never stoop to score a point or bite an ankle. Third, always understand that in this symbiosis, you are the parasite. Fourth, look with an open heart and mind at every different kind of book with every change of emotional weather because we are reading for our lives and that could be love gone out the window or a horseman on the roof. Fifth, use theory only as a periscope or a trampoline, never a panopticon, a crib sheet or a license to kill. Sixth, let a hundred Harolds Bloom.””
About This Quote
Guidelines for ethical reviewing: avoid harm, stay fair, stay open, use theory wisely, and allow diverse voices.
In simple terms: Review responsibly by being fair, open, and critical without bias.
Key Takeaway
Apply balanced, ethical standards when critiquing.
Themes
ethics
criticism
fairness
open-mindedness
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
advice
principles
When to use this quote
- academic peer review
- book reviews
- online forums
- media criticism
Key Concepts
review standards
intellectual humility
bias avoidance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can reviewers ensure fairness?
- What role does empathy play in criticism?
A Different Perspective
Implementation can be subjective and inconsistent.
