Quote I've developed a great reputation for wisdom by...

“I've developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by far, than I learned anything useful from, except, of course, that some very tedious gentlemen have written books.” - Marilynne Robinson

Decryption of quote

Quote: "I've developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by far, than I learned anything useful from, except, of course, that some very tedious gentlemen have written books."

Imagine a person who is surrounded by stacks of books, each one filled with knowledge waiting to be unlocked. This person has a reputation for wisdom, not because they have read every book cover to cover, but because they have shown a thirst for knowledge by ordering more books than they could possibly read in a lifetime.

Despite not having the time to read every book they own, this person still values the act of reading. They understand that the mere act of reading, even if they don't retain every piece of information, is a valuable pursuit in itself. It is through this dedication to reading that they have gained a reputation for wisdom.

However, not every book has provided them with useful insights. In fact, they have come across many books that were written by "tedious gentlemen" - authors who may have had good intentions but failed to capture their interest or provide them with valuable knowledge.

Despite this, the person continues to order and read books, knowing that each one has the potential to teach them something new. They understand that wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about discerning which information is valuable and worth retaining.

Through their love of reading, this person has cultivated a deep respect for the written word and the power it holds to shape our understanding of the world. They have learned that wisdom is not just about the quantity of books one reads, but also about the quality of the insights gained from those books.

So, next time you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of books on your shelf waiting to be read, remember the wisdom of this quote. It's not about how many books you read, but about the dedication and passion you bring to the act of reading. And who knows, you may just stumble upon a book that changes your life in ways you never expected.




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