Book Quote by Anne Fadiman
“Some day, as soon as a book is printed it will be simultaneously put into digital form. That will be a wonderful research tool, but it will never substitute for holding the book. I feel certain that at least within my lifetime, everyone will still be going to the bookstore and buying printed books. Thank God I'll die before I have to worry about whether the printed book itself will disappear. That's something I don't want to live to see.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Books, The Atlantic, 1999
Printed books hold tactile and cultural value that digital copies cannot fully replace, ensuring their continued presence despite technological advances.
In simple terms: Physical books remain valuable despite digital versions.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both formats, but cherish print.
Themes
technology
culture
media
future
reading
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
optimistic
Type
observational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- library visits
- bookstore shopping
- academic research
- personal reading
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
materiality
sensory experience
consumer habits
Questions to Reflect On
- Will you miss the feel of a book?
- How can print stay relevant?
A Different Perspective
Digital convenience may outpace physical demand for some readers.
