Skip to content

Accomplices Quote by Susan Sontag

“The writer's first job is not to have opinions but to tell the truth... and refuse to be an accomplice of lies and misinformation. Literature is the house of nuance and contrariness against the voices of simplification.” quote by Susan Sontag
Download Open image
“The writer's first job is not to have opinions but to tell the truth... and refuse to be an accomplice of lies and misinformation. Literature is the house of nuance and contrariness against the voices of simplification.”

Susan Sontag

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Writer's Responsibility", 1975, The New Yorker

Writers must prioritize truth over personal opinions, resisting misinformation and embracing nuance against oversimplification.

In simple terms: Writers should tell truth, not just opinions.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize truth and nuance in writing.

Themes

journalism ethics truth

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • news reporting
  • editorial work
  • academic writing

Key Concepts

responsibility nuance counter‑narratives

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can writers take to verify facts?
  • How to handle pressure to simplify complex issues?
A Different Perspective

Truth can be subjective; bias may infiltrate.

4.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Susan Sontag

Explore all 644 Susan Sontag quotes

More Accomplices quotes

Browse all 95 Accomplices quotes