Book Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“A writer of story books! What kind of business in life-what mode of glorifying God, or being serviceable to mankind in his day and generation-may that be? Why, the degenerate fellow might as well have been a fiddler!”
About This Quote
Writing children's stories is portrayed as a low‑status occupation, contrasted with higher pursuits like glorifying God or serving humanity.
In simple terms: Children's literature is dismissed as trivial.
Key Takeaway
Societal bias undervalues certain creative work.
Themes
literature
social hierarchy
purpose
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
argumentative
cultural critique
When to use this quote
- career counseling for writers
- educational curricula debates
Key Concepts
cultural valuation
artistic merit
Practical Applications
- highlight the educational impact of children's books
- advocate for broader definitions of service
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria determine a 'valuable' vocation?
- How can we reframe perceptions of creative work?
A Different Perspective
The view ignores the profound influence children's literature has on moral and cognitive development.
