Books Quote by David McCullough
““He acquired more and more books, books being an acknowledged extravagance he could seldom curb. (With one London bookseller he had placed a standing order for “every book and pamphlet, of reputation, upon the subjects of law and government as soon as it comes out.”) “I want to see my wife and children every day,” he would write while away on the court circuit. “I want to see my grass and blossoms and corn. . . . But above all, except the wife and children, I want to see my books.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Biography of John Marshall, 1998
A man obsessed with books prioritizes them over family, showing how intellectual pursuits can dominate personal life.
In simple terms: Books become a central obsession, eclipsing family time.
Key Takeaway
Balance reading with relationships.
Themes
obsession
family
knowledge
priorities
Mood
reflective
melancholy
Type
biographical
personal narrative
When to use this quote
- legal scholarship
- personal relationships
- collecting books
- time management
Key Concepts
bibliophilia
intellectualism
work‑life balance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize intellectual goals versus family?
- What costs arise from over‑collecting?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting loved ones can cause lasting regret.
