Writers are idolized not because they love their fellow men, which is never a recommendation and in extreme instances leads to crucifixion, but because their self-love is in tune with current fears and desires, and in giving it expression they are speaking for an inarticulate multitude.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Writers are celebrated for expressing self-love aligned with public fears, not genuine love for others.
- In plain terms
- Writers are idolized because they express what people fear and want.
- What can you take from it?
- Popular writers often reflect public desires rather than love for humanity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes writers popular?
- Do writers express public fears?
Another view
It dismisses writers who genuinely care for humanity.
More from Hugh Kingsmill
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Permalink to quote #11 There are dons who care for the intellect and the imagination, and there are priests who care for the spirit; but broadly speaking the function of universities…
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