Able Quote by Matthew Gregory Lewis
“An author, whether good or bad, or between both, is an animal whom every body is privileged to attack: for though all are not able to write books, all conceive themselves able to judge them.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis, 1796
People feel entitled to judge literary works despite lacking the skill to create them, exposing a paradox of authority and competence.
In simple terms: People judge books they can't write.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility before criticism.
Themes
authority
judgment
literature
humility
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- online reviews
- academic critique
- publishing
Key Concepts
critical theory
ego
expertise
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you judge works you cannot create?
- How does expertise affect your judgments?
A Different Perspective
Judgment can be biased by personal taste.
![“Here's the thing: Authors live or die by recommendations. [That's one of the reason I review so many books on Goodreads.] Giving books you love good reviews is one of the nicest things you can do for an author. What's more it's good for the entire community.” quote by Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4be/patrick-rothfuss-145_book_here-s-the-thing-authors-live-or-die-by_50609.jpg)
![“Somebody said, 'Hey, there is a lull in your career. Why don't you write books about your [dyslexia]?' We are currently writing our 34th novel.” quote by Henry Winkler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d64/henry-winkler-9210_book_somebody-said-hey-there-is-a-lull-in-you_150294.jpg)
![“Maybe I'll just write books. I'd like to make another movie, but I don't want to go back and [do] what they want you to do, to make it for a million dollars. I did that. I don't need a lot, but I need what I used to get, and they don't give you that anymore.” quote by John Waters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4d4/john-waters-751_book_maybe-i-ll-just-write-books-i-d-like-to_139629.jpg)
