God hath given to mankind a common library, His creatures…
“God hath given to mankind a common library, His creatures; to every man a proper book, himself being an abridgment of all others. If thou read with understanding, it will make thee a great master of philosophy, and a true servant of the divine Author: if thou but barely read, it will make thee thine own wise man and the Author's fool.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reading with understanding transforms a person into a master of philosophy and a servant of the divine; shallow reading yields folly.
In simple terms: Deep reading makes you wise; skimming leads to foolishness.
Key Takeaway
Read deeply, seek comprehension.
Themes
knowledge
philosophy
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
educational
spiritual
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal reflection
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
interpretation
self‑knowledge
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What texts deserve your full attention?
- How can you balance depth with daily demands?
A Different Perspective
Time constraints may limit deep reading.