Awful Quote by Arnold Bennett
“The second suggestion is to think as well as to read. I know people who read and read, and for all the good it does them they might just as well cut bread-and-butter. They take to reading as better men take to drink. They fly through the shires of literature on a motor-car, their sole object being motion. They will tell you how many books they have read in a year. Unless you give at least 45 minutes to careful, fatiguing reflection (it is an awful bore at first) upon what you are reading, your 90 minutes of a night are chiefly wasted.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Life, Arnold Bennett, 1905
Reading without deep reflection is superficial; true understanding requires dedicated, thoughtful contemplation.
In simple terms: Reading alone isn’t enough; think about what you read.
Spend at least 45 minutes reflecting on each reading session.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Academic study
- personal development
- book clubs
- research
- writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reflection change your perception of a book?
- What strategies help sustain deep thinking?
Reflection can be tedious and may discourage casual readers.