If you file your waste-paper basket for fifty years, you have a public library

If you file your waste-paper basket for fifty years, you have a public library

Tony Benn was a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for over 50 years. He was known for his passionate advocacy for social justice, democracy, and workers' rights. Benn was also a prolific writer and speaker, and his speeches and writings have been collected and preserved in various forms.

The quote "If you file your waste-paper basket for fifty years, you have a public library" is often attributed to Benn, although its exact origin is unclear. However, the sentiment behind the quote is very much in line with Benn's beliefs and values. Throughout his long career in politics, Benn was a tireless advocate for transparency, accountability, and the importance of preserving history and knowledge for future generations.

In the context of Benn's life and work, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection of his commitment to preserving and sharing information and ideas. Benn believed that everyone should have access to knowledge and information, and that it was the responsibility of society as a whole to ensure that this knowledge was preserved and made available to all.

Benn's own personal archive, which includes thousands of documents, speeches, and recordings from his time in office, is a testament to his dedication to preserving history and knowledge. By filing away his waste-paper basket for over fifty years, Benn created a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in learning more about his life and work.