Discrimination Quote by Joseph Addison
“A satire should expose nothing but what is corrigible, and should make a due discrimination between those that are and those that are not the proper objects of it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Spectator, No. 173, 1712
A satire must target only what can be corrected and distinguish properly between worthy and unworthy subjects.
In simple terms: Satire should focus on fixable flaws and choose its targets wisely.
Key Takeaway
Identify and critique only what can be improved.
Themes
satire
critique
ethics
Mood
wry
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political commentary
- media analysis
- social reform
- personal behavior
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What issues are truly corrigible?
- How do you decide the proper object of satire?
A Different Perspective
Satire may be misinterpreted or ignored if the audience resists criticism.
