Books Quote by arthur schopenhauer
““When we read, another person thinks for us: we merely repeat his mental process. In learning to write, the pupil goes over with his pen what the teacher has outlined in pencil: so in reading; the greater part of the work of thought is already done for us. This is why it relieves us to take up a book after being occupied with our own thoughts. And in reading, the mind is, in fact, only the playground of another’s thoughts. So it comes about that if anyone spends almost the whole day in reading, and by way of relaxation devotes the intervals to some thoughtless pastime, he gradually loses the capacity for thinking; just as the man who always rides, at last forgets how to walk. This is the case with many learned persons: they have read themselves stupid.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The World as Will and Representation, 1818
Reading can replace active thinking, leading to mental passivity if overused.
In simple terms: Too much reading can dull original thought.
Key Takeaway
Balance reading with active reflection.
Themes
knowledge
learning
critical thinking
mental habits
education
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- studying
- creative writing
- critical analysis
- personal development
Key Concepts
philosophy
cognitive psychology
education theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you notice a loss of original thought after heavy reading?
- How can you integrate reading with personal reflection?
A Different Perspective
Reading alone does not guarantee understanding; active engagement is needed.
![“[T]he appropriate form of address between man and man ought to be, not monsieur, sir, but fellow sufferer, compagnon de miseres.” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be6/arthur-schopenhauer-226_addresses_t-he-appropriate-form-of-address-between_32897.jpg)
![“[Materialism] seeks the primary and most simple state of matter, and then tries to develop all the others from it; ascending from mere mechanism, to chemism, to polarity, to the vegetable and to the animal kingdom. And if we suppose this to have been done, the last link in the chain would be…” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/88c/arthur-schopenhauer-226_animal-kingdom_materialism-seeks-the-primary-and-most-s_50402.jpg)
