This is an excerpt from a poem written by a Satirist known as Jonathan Swift that I believe is a good depiction of the importance of Satire;
"As with a moral view designed
to cure the vices of mankind
his vein ironically grave
exposed the fool and lashed the knave...
...yet malice never was his aim
he lashed the vice but spared the name
no individual could resent
where thousands equally were meant
his satire points at no defect
but what all mortals may correct"
I love Jonathan Swift! Hear, hear! I'm a fan and supporter of satire. I try my hand at it myself now and then.
Great quote! Thanks for posting it.
Jonathan Swift also wrote Gulliver's Travels, among many other things, which was a satire about little people (small-minded people) fearing and attempting to control people of giant moral character.