Artists know that diligence counts as much, if not more, as inspiration; in art, as in politics, patience counts as much as revolution.
Tony KushnerRead
A handful of works in history have had a direct impact on social policy: one or two works of Dickens, some of Zola, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and, in modern drama, Larry Kramer's 'The Normal Heart.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
Certain literary works have profoundly shaped societal views and policies.
In this quote, Tony Kushner emphasizes the significant role that literature and drama can play in influencing social policies and perceptions. He cites notable works and authors whose writings have sparked critical conversations and changes regarding social issues, illustrating the power of storytelling in effecting real-world change.
Themes
LiteratureSocial ImpactPolicyArtInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for change, one might use this quote to illustrate how literature can shape society.
More from Tony Kushner
All quotes βI don't understand why I'm not dead. When your heart breaks, you should die
Tony KushnerRead
In this world, there is a kind of painful progress. Longing for what we've left behind, and dreaming ahead.
Tony KushnerRead
The way that same-sex marriage should reach the federal level is that it absolutely should be decided by the Supreme Court as quickly as possible. It's a 14th Amendment issue. There's no argument about it.
Tony KushnerRead
Gay TV has been immensely important in transforming American culture in a more gay-positive direction.
Tony KushnerRead
The theater requires an essential gullibility that you can't get through life without having. If all you can feel is skepticism-well , you meet people like this. Run away from them. They're not good people.
Tony KushnerRead
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They are fairies; he that speaks to them shall die. I'll wink and couch; no man their works must eye.
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The writing of the Beatles, or John and Paul's contribution to the Beatles in the late sixties - had a kind of depth to it, a more mature, more intellectual approach. We were different people, we were older. We knew each other in all kinds of different ways than when we wrote together as teenagers and in our older twenties.
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It's easy to photograph light reflecting from a surface, the truly hard part is capturing the light in the air.
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