Meaning: The quote "Books and harlots have their quarrels in public" is attributed to the German literary critic and philosopher Walter Benjamin. This provocative statement draws a parallel between books and harlots, suggesting that both are subject to public scrutiny and criticism. By juxtaposing these two seemingly disparate entities, Benjamin invites the reader to consider the ways in which books, as cultural artifacts, and harlots, as social figures, are both subject to public judgment and debate.

Walter Benjamin was a prominent figure in 20th-century literary and cultural criticism, known for his innovative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding art, literature, and society. He was deeply influenced by the cultural and intellectual currents of his time, including the rise of mass media, the impact of technology on human experience, and the changing nature of urban life. Benjamin's work often reflects a keen awareness of the ways in which cultural production and consumption intersect with broader social and political dynamics.

In the context of the quote, "Books and harlots have their quarrels in public," Benjamin may be suggesting that both books and harlots are subject to public judgment and scrutiny in different ways. Books, as carriers of ideas and narratives, are often the subject of critical debate and interpretation. Literary works can spark controversy, challenge prevailing norms, and incite public discourse. Similarly, harlots – a term historically used to refer to women engaged in sex work – have long been the subject of social stigma, moral judgment, and public scrutiny. The comparison between books and harlots may serve to highlight the ways in which cultural products and marginalized social figures are both subject to public critique and debate.

Moreover, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the public nature of cultural and social conflicts. By aligning books and harlots in their "quarrels in public," Benjamin may be drawing attention to the ways in which conflicts and controversies are played out in the public sphere. Whether it is a literary debate or a social issue related to sex work, both books and harlots are emblematic of larger struggles and tensions that are enacted and debated in public spaces. The quote thus invites us to consider the ways in which cultural and social conflicts are publicly contested and negotiated, often shaping public discourse and consciousness.

Additionally, the comparison between books and harlots may also speak to the ways in which both are commodified and consumed in society. Books, as cultural products, are bought, sold, and consumed within the marketplace of ideas and entertainment. Similarly, harlots, as individuals engaged in sex work, are often commodified and consumed within the realm of sexuality and desire. The quote may thus point to the ways in which both books and harlots are subject to market forces and societal attitudes that shape their reception and treatment in public.

In conclusion, Walter Benjamin's quote "Books and harlots have their quarrels in public" offers a thought-provoking comparison between cultural artifacts and marginalized social figures. By aligning books and harlots in their exposure to public scrutiny, the quote invites us to consider the ways in which cultural and social conflicts are played out in the public sphere, and how both are subject to commodification and consumption in society. Benjamin's insightful juxtaposition challenges us to reflect on the interconnectedness of cultural production, social dynamics, and public discourse.