Meaning: This quote by Charles Colton, an English cleric and writer, offers an insightful perspective on the society of dead authors and the interactions between living individuals and their literary works. Colton suggests that the society of dead authors holds an advantage over the society of living authors in that they do not engage in the social behaviors that can often be challenging or intrusive. The quote touches on themes of flattery, slander, privacy, and the passive yet influential nature of literary works.

One interpretation of this quote is that the society of dead authors, represented by their works on shelves, provides a sense of comfort and reliability. Unlike living individuals who may engage in flattery or slander, dead authors remain silent and do not directly interact with readers. This absence of direct interaction can be seen as an advantage, as it allows readers to engage with the works without the influence of the authors' personal behaviors or intentions.

The notion of dead authors never flattery us to our faces suggests that the absence of direct interaction allows readers to engage with literary works without the potential bias of personal relationships. Living authors may engage in flattery to gain favor or support, but the works of dead authors are not subject to such personal motivations. This can create a sense of authenticity and objectivity in the interaction between readers and literary works.

Similarly, the idea that dead authors never slander us behind our backs highlights the absence of personal animosity or negative influence from the authors themselves. In contrast, interactions with living authors may be impacted by personal conflicts or biases, which can affect the way their works are perceived. By removing the potential for personal slander, the quote suggests that the society of dead authors offers a more neutral and unbiased experience for readers.

Furthermore, the mention of dead authors never intruding upon our privacy points to the idea that literary works do not impose themselves on readers in the same way that living individuals might. The absence of intrusion allows readers to engage with the works at their own pace and on their own terms, without the pressure or influence of the authors themselves. This can create a sense of freedom and autonomy in the reader's experience with the works of dead authors.

Finally, the quote highlights the passive yet enduring nature of literary works by stating that dead authors never quit their shelves until we take them down. This emphasizes the lasting impact of written works, as they remain accessible and influential long after the authors have passed away. The act of taking down a book from the shelf can be seen as a deliberate and conscious choice by the reader, reinforcing the idea that the interaction with dead authors' works is initiated and controlled by the reader.

In summary, Charles Colton's quote provides a thought-provoking reflection on the society of dead authors and the unique advantages it holds over the society of living authors. It emphasizes the absence of direct interaction, flattery, slander, and intrusion, while highlighting the enduring and influential nature of literary works. This quote invites readers to consider the ways in which the absence of living authors' personal influence can shape their experience with literary works and underscores the timeless impact of written words.