Skip to content

Aggression Quote by Rebecca West

“But once a culture develops sufficiently to become skeptical, the idea of censorship becomes less attractive. To suppress a book or a picture or a sculpture or a play or a film is a terrible act of aggression against the artist who created it. This is a miming of capital punishment; it destroys…” quote by Rebecca West
Download Open image
“But once a culture develops sufficiently to become skeptical, the idea of censorship becomes less attractive. To suppress a book or a picture or a sculpture or a play or a film is a terrible act of aggression against the artist who created it. This is a miming of capital punishment; it destroys the life that has been emanated by a life.”

Rebecca West

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Meaning of Censorship, 1935

When a society becomes critical, censoring art feels like violent oppression, erasing the creator’s life work.

In simple terms: Censorship harms artists and society.

Key Takeaway

Protect artistic freedom.

Themes

freedom of expression art societal skepticism

Mood

defiant serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • film
  • visual arts
  • theater
  • sculpture

Key Concepts

censorship authoritarianism creative destruction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does criticism shape cultural values?
  • When is limiting speech acceptable?
A Different Perspective

Censorship may be justified for hate speech or safety concerns.

3.6 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Rebecca West

Explore all 264 Rebecca West quotes

More Aggression quotes

Browse all 860 Aggression quotes