"It is difficult not to write satire"
- Juvenal
About this Quote
This quote by Juvenal speaks to the trouble of preventing composing satire. Satire is a kind of composing that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's vices, absurdity, or shortcomings. Juvenal is suggesting that it is hard to prevent composing satire due to the fact that it is so pervasive in society. He is implying that it is almost difficult to not know the absurdity and shortcomings of people and to not be tempted to discuss them. This quote also speaks with the power of satire as a form of expression. It is a method to reveal one's viewpoint and to make a declaration about the world. It is a powerful tool for social and political commentary. Juvenal's quote is a suggestion of the value of satire and its capability to bring attention to problems and to challenge the status quo.
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