Skip to content

Child labour Quote by John Ralston Saul

“They (the novelists) became the voice of the citizen against the ubiquitous raison d'état, which reappeared endlessly to justify everything from unjust laws and the use of child labour to incompetent generalship and inhuman conditions on warships. The themes they popularized have gradually turned…” quote by John Ralston Saul
Download Open image
“They (the novelists) became the voice of the citizen against the ubiquitous raison d'état, which reappeared endlessly to justify everything from unjust laws and the use of child labour to incompetent generalship and inhuman conditions on warships. The themes they popularized have gradually turned into the laws which, for all their flaws, have improved the state of man.”

John Ralston Saul

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Intellectuals and the State, John Ralston Saul, 1995

Novelists give voice to citizens, shaping laws that improve society despite flaws.

In simple terms: Writers influence laws and society.

Key Takeaway

Support writers who challenge power.

Themes

literature citizen voice law reform

Mood

analytical hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political reform
  • civic engagement
  • media influence

Key Concepts

social critique public discourse ethical progress

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can writers effectively influence policy?
  • What limits writers face in shaping law?
A Different Perspective

Literature alone cannot fix systemic issues.

3.8 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by John Ralston Saul

Explore all 139 John Ralston Saul quotes

More Child labour quotes

Browse all 21 Child labour quotes