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There is more ado to interpret interpretations than to…

“There is more ado to interpret interpretations than to interpret things, and more books upon books than upon any other subject; we do nothing but comment upon one another. Every place swarms with commentaries; of authors there is great scarcity.” quote by Michel de Montaigne
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“There is more ado to interpret interpretations than to interpret things, and more books upon books than upon any other subject; we do nothing but comment upon one another. Every place swarms with commentaries; of authors there is great scarcity.”

Michel de Montaigne

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Interpretations proliferate while original works are scarce, leading to endless commentary.

In simple terms: Commentary outweighs original works.

Key Takeaway

Seek original sources over endless commentary.

Themes

interpretation scarcity commentary

Mood

analytical curious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • research
  • academic writing

Key Concepts

literary criticism philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we over‑comment?
  • How can we value original thought?
A Different Perspective

Original works may be lost or inaccessible.

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