Approach Quote by Charles Lamb
“There is absolutely no such thing as reading but by a candle. We have tried the affectation of a book at noon-day in gardens, and in sultry arbours, but it was labor thrown away. Those gay motes in the beam come about you, hovering and teasing, like so many coquets, that will have you all to their self, and are jealous of your abstractions. By the midnight taper, the writers digests his meditations. By the same light we must approach to their perusal, if we would catch the flame, the odour.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Essays of Elia, 1823
Reading by candlelight creates an intimate, focused atmosphere that enhances imagination and depth, unlike daylight which disperses attention.
In simple terms: Candlelight reading deepens focus and imagination.
Key Takeaway
Seek quiet, low‑light settings for deep reading.
Themes
focus
imagination
intimacy
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- nighttime study
- creative writing
- meditative reading
- quiet contemplation
Key Concepts
Romanticism
sensory perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does environment shape your reading experience?
- Can you recreate candlelight ambience without a candle?
A Different Perspective
Daylight can be distracting and reduce concentration.
