A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world. That means trying to understand, take in, connect with, what wickedness human beings are capable of; and not be corrupted - made cynical, superficial - by this understanding.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A writer must confront human wickedness without becoming cynical.
- In plain terms
- Good writers understand evil but stay hopeful.
- What can you take from it?
- Understand darkness without losing hope.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you stay hopeful?
- What does ethical writing require?
Another view
Some cynicism may be necessary to avoid naivety.
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