The book is not simply the object that one holds in one's…
“The book is not simply the object that one holds in one's hands, and it cannot remain within the little parallelpiped that contains it: its unity is variable and relative. As soon as one questions that unity, it loses its self-evidence; it indicates itself, constructs itself, only on the basis of a complex field of discourse.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The book's identity is not fixed; it emerges from the surrounding discourse and context, losing its inherent self‑evidence when isolated.
In simple terms: Identity is context‑dependent.
Key Takeaway
Meaning is constructed socially.
Themes
contextuality
construction
fluidity
discourse
self‑evidence
Mood
introspective
analytical
philosophical
Type
philosophical
critical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- library science
- digital publishing
- educational theory
Key Concepts
book as object
field of discourse
unity
relativity
Practical Applications
- critical theory
- media studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How does context shape meaning?
- What happens when a text is removed from its discourse?