Antithesis Quote by Thomas de Quincey
“Books, we are told, propose to instruct or to amuse. Indeed! A true antithesis to knowledge, in this case, is not pleasure, but power. All that is literature seeks to communicate power; all that is not literature, to communicate knowledge.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, 1821
Literature aims to convey power rather than mere knowledge, contrasting instruction with influence.
In simple terms: Literature seeks power, not just knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the influence behind stories.
Themes
power
influence
literature
knowledge
culture
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading
- teaching
- political persuasion
- media analysis
Key Concepts
philosophy
sociology
communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a story shape your beliefs?
- When does influence become coercion?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misused, leading to manipulation.
![“I wrote a comedy, which hopefully [Rick director] Curtiss Clayton will bring to the screen, that I thought was the antithesis of all my work. I thought it was light and sunshiny, and Mr. Clayton reminded me that it is the story of a woman kidnapped and forced to do things against her will, which…” quote by Daniel Handler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eda/daniel-handler-1043_antithesis_i-wrote-a-comedy-which-hopefully-rick-di_130261.jpg)
