Who said “Much literary criticism comes from people for whom extreme specialization is a cover for…”?

Verified

John Kenneth Galbraith. A published source records them saying or writing it.

Source"H.L. Mencken," The Washington Post (14 September 1980); reprinted in A View from the Stands (1986)

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“Much literary criticism comes from people for whom extreme specialization is a cover for either grave cerebral inadequacy or terminal laziness, the latter being a much cherished aspect of academic freedom.”
Verified"H.L. Mencken," The Washington Post (14 September 1980); reprinted in A View from the Stands (1986) · evidenceLiterary Criticism
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: "H.L. Mencken," The Washington Post (14 September 1980); reprinted in A View from the Stands (1986).

APA

Galbraith, J. K. (n.d.). Much literary criticism comes from people for whom extreme specialization is a cover for either grave cerebral inadequacy or terminal laziness, the latter being a much cherished aspect of academic freedom. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22785-much-literary-criticism-comes-from-people-for-whom/

MLA

Galbraith, John Kenneth. “Much literary criticism comes from people for whom extreme specialization is a cover for either grave cerebral inadequacy or terminal laziness, the latter being a much cherished aspect of academic freedom.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22785-much-literary-criticism-comes-from-people-for-whom/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Galbraith, John Kenneth. “Much literary criticism comes from people for whom extreme specialization is a cover for either grave cerebral inadequacy or terminal laziness, the latter being a much cherished aspect of academic freedom.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/22785-much-literary-criticism-comes-from-people-for-whom/.