Sinclair Lewis
Nobel laureate novelist.
7 quotes in this collection. Read them below, share your favourites, or follow the related links to explore similar voices.
All quotes by Sinclair Lewis
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“Advertising is a valuable economic factor because it is the cheapest way of selling goods, particularly if the goods are worthless.”
Meaning: Lewis critiques how advertising can manipulate perception, sometimes promoting low-value products effectively. -
“When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”
Meaning: Lewis warns that dangerous ideologies can appear disguised as patriotism or religion, making them harder to recognize and resist. -
“You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.”
Meaning: Reputation is built through action, not intentions or promises. -
“It is impossible to discourage the real writers—they don't give a damn what you say, they're going to write.”
Meaning: True creators are driven by passion and persistence, not external approval or criticism. -
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.”
Meaning: People often resist truths that threaten their interests. Financial or personal incentives can block objective thinking. -
“Every man is a king so long as he has someone to look down on.”
Meaning: He highlights how ego and superiority often come from comparison with others. -
“The trouble with this country is that there are too many people going about saying, 'The trouble with this country is…'”
Meaning: Lewis critiques constant complaining without constructive action.