"Writers, you know, are the beggars of Western society"

This quote by Octavio Paz speaks with the power of the composed word and the importance of writers in society. He is suggesting that writers are the most vulnerable members of society, as they count on the kindness of others to support their work. Writers are frequently seen as outsiders, as their work is typically seen as too abstract or too intellectual for the general public. They are typically seen as beggars, as they must count on the support of others to make a living. Paz is recommending that authors are necessary to the functioning of society, as they are the ones who create the stories, concepts, and perspectives that shape our culture. Without authors, our society would be much poorer. Writers are the ones who bring us the stories that make us laugh, cry, and believe. They are the ones who help us to comprehend the world around us and to understand our lives. Writers are the beggars of Western society, but they are likewise its lifeblood.