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About this quote

What does it mean?
Many critics depend entirely on others' work to justify their own existence.
In plain terms
Critics would have nothing to do if no one wrote anything.
What can you take from it?
Critics often rely on creators to have a purpose.

Where it applies

  • reviewing work
  • analyzing critics

Putting it to work

  • create rather than just critique
  • value original work

Questions to consider

  • Is criticism necessary for culture?
  • Do critics create value?

Another view

It dismisses the potential value of constructive criticism.

More from Joseph Priestley

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  2. The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate.

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  3. Marriage is like paying an endless visit in your worst clothes.

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