Books Quote by Milan Kundera
“A novel that does not uncover a hitherto unknown segment of existence is immoral. Knowledge is the novel's only morality.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Role of the Novel", 1979
A novel must reveal previously unknown aspects of existence; otherwise it lacks moral purpose.
In simple terms: Novels should expose new truths.
Key Takeaway
Write to uncover hidden realities.
Themes
literature
ethics
knowledge
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
serious
Type
essay
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- creative writing
- cultural critique
- personal introspection
Key Concepts
philosophy
existentialism
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean for a story to be moral?
- Can a novel be valuable without revealing new knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Not all novels aim to discover new truths; some explore human experience.
