Skip to content

Admired Quote by Jesse Ball

“If Americans are to read something that is difficult, they will only do so supposing they will be admired for having done it.” quote by Jesse Ball
Download Open image
“If Americans are to read something that is difficult, they will only do so supposing they will be admired for having done it.”

Jesse Ball

About This Quote

Source Essay: The New Yorker, 2012

Readers seek difficulty for prestige, not for learning; the motive is admiration rather than curiosity.

In simple terms: People read hard things for status.

Key Takeaway

Read for learning, not ego.

Themes

literature ego motivation

Mood

analytical critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic study
  • personal enrichment
  • book clubs

Key Concepts

status seeking intellectual vanity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we chase status in reading?
  • How can we foster authentic curiosity?
A Different Perspective

Prestige can deter genuine engagement.

2.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Jesse Ball

Explore all 63 Jesse Ball quotes

More Admired quotes

Browse all 392 Admired quotes