Political Quotes

John Morley: Most literature, nearly all literature, is distinctly subordinate and secondary; it only serves to pass the time of the…

On the record
Most literature, nearly all literature, is distinctly subordinate and secondary; it only serves to pass the time of the learned or cultured class, without making any definite mark either on the mental habits of men and women, or on the institutions under which they live.
Said by
John Morley

Editor's note · Context

Morley critiques the impact of literature on society, suggesting it often lacks significance.

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