"Why writers should be canvassed for their opinions on controversial issues I cannot imagine. Their views have no more authority than those of any reasonably well-educated citizen. Indeed, when read in bulk, the statements made by writers, including the greatest, would seem to indicate that literary talent and political common sense are rarely found together."
Quoting this recent remark by Poet W. H. Auden, Encounter magazine asked a group of leading intellectuals if they agreed. A surprising number did.
In their replies—published in the September and forthcoming issues—they used even stronger language...
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