For a country to have a great writer is like having a second government. That is why no regime has ever loved great writers, only minor ones.

Summary

This quote suggests that having influential writers in a country is akin to having a parallel governing body. Great writers have the power to provoke critical thinking, challenge norms, and shape public opinion. As a result, authoritarian regimes tend to fear and suppress great writers, as their ideas pose a threat to the regime's authority. Minor writers, who may not possess such influence, are typically tolerated or even supported by oppressive regimes. Overall, this quote highlights the potential power of literature in influencing societies and the tendency of repressive governments to suppress it.