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Quote by Lionel Trilling

“Probably it is impossible for humor to be ever a revolutionary weapon. Candide can do little more than generate irony.”

Quote by Lionel Trilling

Author

Lionel Trilling
Lionel Trilling

Lionel Trilling was an influential American literary critic and writer, born on July 4, 1905, and died on November 5, 1975. He was a significant figure in 20th-century American literary criticism, known for his profound thought and sharp insights. more

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“Some of the politicians in this country, in their feverish search for group acceptance, are ready to endorse tumultuous confrontation as a substitute for debate, and the most illogical and unfitting extensions of the Bill of Rights as protections for psychotic and criminal elements in our society.... We have seen all too clearly that there are men - now in power in this country - who do not represent authority, who cannot cope with tradition, and who believe that the people of America are ready to support revolution as long as it is done with a cultured voice and a handsome profile.”