We must have books for recreation and entertainment, as…
“We must have books for recreation and entertainment, as well as books for instruction and for business; the former are agreeable, the latter useful, and the human mind requires both. The cannon law and the codes of Justinian shall have due honor, and reign at the universities; but Homer and Virgil need not therefore be banished. We will cultivate the olive and the vine, but without eradicating the myrtle and the rose.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Balzac argues that literature should serve both pleasure and practical purposes, and that classic works deserve preservation alongside utilitarian texts.
In simple terms: Books should both entertain and teach.
Key Takeaway
Value both enjoyment and utility in reading.
Themes
education
literature
balance
culture
preservation
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- University curricula
- public libraries
- personal reading lists
- academic research
- cultural policy
Key Concepts
Humanism
utility
classics
cultural heritage
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure curricula honor both entertainment and instruction?
- What role should classic literature play in modern education?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on utility may marginalize artistic expression.