Owing to the flood of shallow books which really are…
““Owing to the flood of shallow books which really are exhausted in one reading, the modern mind tends to think every book is the same, finished in one reading. But it is not so. And gradually the modern mind will realize it again. The real joy of a book lies in reading it over and over again, and always finding something different, coming upon another meaning, another level of meaning. It is, as usual, a question of values: we are so overwhelmed with quantities of books, that we hardly realize any more that a book can be valuable, valuable like a jewel, or a lovely picture, into which you can look deeper and deeper and get a more profound experience very time. It is far, far better to read one book six times, at intervals, than to read six several books.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Repeated reading reveals new layers of meaning, turning a book into a deep, evolving experience rather than a one‑time consumption.
In simple terms: Rereading uncovers deeper insight.
Key Takeaway
Read fewer books, reread often.
Themes
reading
depth
value
reflection
Mood
contemplative
inspired
Type
philosophical
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal growth
- literary criticism
- book clubs
Key Concepts
literary appreciation
interpretation
cognitive depth
Questions to Reflect On
- How does rereading change your perception of a text?
- What value do you find in depth versus breadth?
A Different Perspective
Time constraints may limit ability to reread many books.