Banquets Quote by John Steinbeck
“Literature was not promulgated by a pale and emasculated critical priesthood singing their litanies in empty churches - nor is it a game for the cloistered elect, the tinhorn mendicants of low calorie despair. Literature is as old as speech. It grew out of human need for it, and it has not changed except to become more needed. The skalds, the bards, the writers are not separate and exclusive. From the beginning, their functions, their duties, their responsibilities have been decreed by our species. --speech at the Nobel Banquet at the City Hall in Stockholm, December 10, 1962”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Banquet, Stockholm, 1962
argues that literature is an essential, evolving human need, not an elite pastime.
In simple terms: Literature is a vital, universal human expression.
Key Takeaway
Value and protect inclusive literary culture.
Themes
culture
humanity
communication
education
literature
Mood
reflective
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- publishing
- public discourse
- community building
Key Concepts
sociology
anthropology
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is literature important to you?
- How can you make literature more accessible?
A Different Perspective
The quote may overlook the role of critical analysis in improving literature.
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