Quote by Edward Abbey, Writer's Credo
It is my belief that the writer, the free-lance author, should be and must be a critic of the society in which he lives. It is easy enough, and always profitable, to rail away at national enemies beyond the sea, at foreign powers beyond our borders who question the prevailing order.But the moral duty of the free writer is to begin his work at home; to be a critic of his own community, his own country, his own culture. If the writer is unwilling to fill this part, then the writer should abandon pretense and find another line of work: become a shoe repairman, a brain surgeon, a janitor, a cowboy, a nuclear physicist, a bus driver.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the responsibility of a writer to not only critique society but to begin by critiquing their own community, country, and culture. Rather than pointing fingers at foreign powers, the writer should focus on analyzing and questioning the prevailing order in their own surroundings. If the writer is unwilling to take on this role, they are urged to pursue a profession that does not involve critical thinking and analysis. Ultimately, the quote highlights the moral duty and importance for writers to speak truth to power within their own societies.
Topics
Authors & Writing
Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.
Random Quotations
