Ah! Books don't come all that often, at least not my way…
““Ah! Books don't come all that often, at least not my way. Andre Malraux's The Psychology of Art was one of them. It was published just after the war. It was too expensive to buy but I located a copy of this luminous book in the Manchester Art Gallery; and i had to make several journeys by motor-cycle, often through sleet and snow until I had finished it. From time to time I wanted to get up on the table to proclaim its truth to all around me, or slap my next-desk neighbour over the back and say, 'There you are; just get hold of that!' Once I nearly did but just in time I noticed he was reading a text on the structure of plastics. By now, of course, I know that some people can get as much aesthetic pleasure out of contemplating the formula for a long molecule as others do from beholding a mural by Piero della Francesca. Technologists have their Ah! Moments too! ””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote reflects the rare thrill of discovering a valuable, hard‑to‑obtain book and the personal drive to share its insight despite obstacles.
In simple terms: Finding rare knowledge can inspire intense personal effort and sharing.
Seek and share rare insights.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- library research
- art criticism
- academic study
- personal inspiration
- sharing discoveries
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you overcome barriers to access valuable knowledge?
- What drives you to share discoveries?
Limited access to resources can hinder widespread appreciation.