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A bad book is the worse that it cannot repent. It has not been the devil's policy to keep the masses of mankind in ignorance; but finding that they will read, he is doing all in his power to poison their books.
John Kenneth Galbraith
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote warns that bad literature can lead to ignorance and corruption of thought, emphasizing the importance of critical reading.

John Kenneth Galbraith's quote reflects the concern that poor-quality books can lead readers astray, suggesting that even though evil forces may not prevent people from reading, they can influence the content that readers engage with. The statement highlights the critical responsibility individuals have in discerning what to read, as literature can significantly shape thoughts, beliefs, and societal values.

Themes

BooksReadingLiteratureEducationIgnoranceThought

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of literature in education classes.

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