The very cheapness of literature is making even wise…
“The very cheapness of literature is making even wise people forget that if a book is worth reading, it is worth buying. No book is worth anything which is not worth much; nor is it serviceable, until it has been read, and re-read, and loved, and loved again; and marked, so that you can refer to the passages you want in it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Literature's low cost leads people to undervalue books; true worth comes from reading, rereading, loving, and annotating them.
In simple terms: Books are valuable when read and cherished, not just bought.
Key Takeaway
Read, reread, love, and annotate books.
Themes
value
reading
literature
appreciation
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal study
- academic research
- book clubs
- library curation
Key Concepts
cultural criticism
materialism
engagement
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you engage with a book beyond buying it?
- What practices deepen your connection to reading?
A Different Perspective
Cheap books may still be shallow without deep engagement.