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We are too civil to books. For a few golden sentences we…

“We are too civil to books. For a few golden sentences we will turn over and actually read a volume of four or five hundred pages.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“We are too civil to books. For a few golden sentences we will turn over and actually read a volume of four or five hundred pages.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

We avoid deep reading, preferring short excerpts over lengthy works.

In simple terms: People skim instead of reading fully.

Key Takeaway

Read longer works for deeper insight.

Themes

reading culture depth

Mood

reflective critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • personal growth
  • literary clubs

Key Concepts

literary appreciation attention span

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we favor brevity over depth?
  • How can we encourage longer reading habits?
A Different Perspective

Short bursts may not foster sustained comprehension.

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