Just Saying: Exploring twenty-five remarkable quotations to enlighten, challenge and inspire

by Hugh Mackay

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 30, 2026

About the author

Hugh Mackay is a social researcher and novelist who has made a lifelong study of the attitudes and behaviour of Australians. He is the author of twelve books, including five bestsellers. The second edition of his latest non-fiction book, Advance Australia…Where? was published in September 2008, and his fifth novel, Ways of Escape was published in May 2009.

He is a fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and received the University of Sydney’s 2004 Alumni Award for community service. In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, Hugh has been awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie and NSW universities.

He is a former deputy chairman of the Australia Council, a former chairman of trustees of Sydney Grammar School, and was the inaugural chairman of the ACT government’s Community Inclusion Board. He was a newspaper columnist for almost 30 years and now writes occasionally for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The West Australian. He is a frequent guest on ABC radio.

- Biography from Hugh Mackay's website

Reviews

[Myra Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book on a holiday and found it a nice light read. The short chapters make it a great book for dipping in and out of, and Mackay philosophises without lecturing you or beating you over the head — he makes his points and then moves on. I wouldn’t say anything in this book is revolutionary, but I don’t think it was intended to be. It’s a musing sort of book to get you thinking, and I think it succeeds at that.

[Stephen Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was perhaps expecting more of a historical or biographical approach to each of the featured quotations, so a touch of disappointment. Instead, the book is an easy to read, secular and humanist contemplation of how we all might get along together better.
The sad thing is that this book will never be read by despots, racists, misogynists or other miscellaneous bigots - such a pity!

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really made me think about whether I was aligned with my values.
I loved each of them and Mackay’s reflections. I agree with his outlook that life is more meaningful when we prioritise others and contributing to community.
As a result - I’m trying to be more kind, especially when I am not fond of someone.
He had interesting points about gender, humility and patriotism vs nationalism.

[Peter Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

25 interesting quotes - as much interesting for the ones selected by Mackay as his exposition of them. Each is a short essay of his interpretation of the quotes and their modern application. A quick read.