--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Books bear him up a while, and make him…" description: "\"Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with bladders of philosophy.\" — John Wilmot" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg" --- # Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with… ![“Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with bladders of philosophy.” quote by John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg) > “Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with bladders of philosophy.” [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Literature can buoy a mind temporarily, but philosophy may feel burdensome. **In simple terms:** Books help briefly; philosophy can feel heavy. Key Takeaway Seek balance between comfort and depth. Themes literature philosophy comfort Mood witty thought‑provoking Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - reading for pleasure - studying philosophy - writing essays - debating ideas - using humor to critique Key Concepts existentialism escapism intellectualism Questions to Reflect On - When does philosophy become oppressive? - How can humor soften deep thought? A Different Perspective Philosophy also offers lasting insight. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Artistic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artistic/) [Bears](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bears/) [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/i-have-ventured-like-little-wanton-boys-that-swim-on-bladders-this/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [It doesn't matter. I have books, new books, and I can bear anything as long as there are books.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jo-walton/it-doesn-t-matter-i-have-books-new-books-and-i-can-bear-anything-as/) [Jo Walton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jo-walton/) > [It doesnt matter. I have books, new books, and I can bear anything as long as there are books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-doesnt-matter-i-have-books-new-books-and-i-can-bear-anything-as/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I love physical books, can't bear to throw them away, and am drowning under the weight of my collection, but I do a lot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mariella-frostrup/i-love-physical-books-can-t-bear-to-throw-them-away-and-am-drowning/) [Mariella Frostrup](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mariella-frostrup/) > [Books that cannot bear examination, certainly ought not to be established as divine inspiration by penal laws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-adams/books-that-cannot-bear-examination-certainly-ought-not-to-be/) [John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-adams/) > [I'd be a dog, a monkey, or a bear, or anything but that vain animal who is so proud of being rational.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/i-d-be-a-dog-a-monkey-or-a-bear-or-anything-but-that-vain-animal-who/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [If you have a grateful heart (which is a miracle amongst you statesmen), show it by directing the bearer to the best wine in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/if-you-have-a-grateful-heart-which-is-a-miracle-amongst-you-statesmen/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Natural freedoms are but just: There's something generous in mere lust.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/natural-freedoms-are-but-just-there-s-something-generous-in-mere-lust/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [The clog of all pleasure, the luggage of life, is the best can be said for a very good wife.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/the-clog-of-all-pleasure-the-luggage-of-life-is-the-best-can-be-said/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Dead we become the lumber of the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/dead-we-become-the-lumber-of-the-world/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [But we don't have swim suits on!! Now he is grinning mischievously. Thats ok. He strips into his boxers and runs into the water…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jade/but-we-don-t-have-swim-suits-on-now-he-is-grinning-mischievously/) [Jade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jade/) > [I tried to swim as much as possible. 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I'mma try to swim from something bigger than me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/frank-ocean/i-m-about-to-drive-in-the-ocean-i-mma-try-to-swim-from-something/) [Frank Ocean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/frank-ocean/) ## More by John Wilmot > [“BOLLOXIMIAN: My pleasures for new cunts I will uphold, And have reserves of kindness for the old. I grant in absence dildo may be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/bolloximian-my-pleasures-for-new-cunts-i-will-uphold-and-have/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [For Hell and the foul fiend that rules God's everlasting fiery jails (Devised by rogues, dreaded by fools), With his grim, grisly dog that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/for-hell-and-the-foul-fiend-that-rules-god-s-everlasting-fiery-jails/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [He never said a foolish thing nor never did a wise one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/he-never-said-a-foolish-thing-nor-never-did-a-wise-one/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Love, the most generous passion of the mind The softest refuge innocence can find](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/love-the-most-generous-passion-of-the-mind-the-softest-refuge/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [God bless our good and gracious King, Whose promise none relies on; Who never said a foolish thing, Nor ever did a wise one.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/god-bless-our-good-and-gracious-king-whose-promise-none-relies-on-who/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Nothing suits worse with vice than want of sense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/nothing-suits-worse-with-vice-than-want-of-sense/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [“This signior is sound, safe, ready, and dumb As ever was candle, carrot, or thumb; Then away with these nasty devices, and show How…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/this-signior-is-sound-safe-ready-and-dumb-as-ever-was-candle-carrot/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Natural freedoms are but just: There's something generous in mere lust.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/natural-freedoms-are-but-just-there-s-something-generous-in-mere-lust/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [I'd be a dog, a monkey, or a bear, or anything but that vain animal who is so proud of being rational.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/i-d-be-a-dog-a-monkey-or-a-bear-or-anything-but-that-vain-animal-who/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Love's chemistry thrives best in equal heat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/love-s-chemistry-thrives-best-in-equal-heat/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Tis a meaner part of sense to find a fault than taste an excellence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/tis-a-meaner-part-of-sense-to-find-a-fault-than-taste-an-excellence/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/before-i-got-married-i-had-six-theories-about-bringing-up-children/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [The clog of all pleasure, the luggage of life, is the best can be said for a very good wife.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/the-clog-of-all-pleasure-the-luggage-of-life-is-the-best-can-be-said/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [“Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/before-i-got-married-i-had-six-theories-about-raising-children-now-i/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) > [E'en her fair hand, which might bid heat return To Frozen age, and make old hermits burn, Applied to my dead cinder, warms no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/e-en-her-fair-hand-which-might-bid-heat-return-to-frozen-age-and-make/) [John Wilmot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) [Explore all 51 John Wilmot quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/) ## More Artistic quotes > [I can skate beautifully. While performing on ice I always try to please the audience and to win as well. Being artistic is very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evgeni-plushenko/i-can-skate-beautifully-while-performing-on-ice-i-always-try-to/) [Evgeni Plushenko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evgeni-plushenko/) > [We don't make glamorous movies today. Everything now is very realistic, artistic - and depressing. When is the last time you you saw a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edith-head/we-don-t-make-glamorous-movies-today-everything-now-is-very-realistic/) [Edith Head](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edith-head/) > [Unfortunately, moral beauty in art - like physical beauty in a person - is extremely perishable. It is nowhere so durable as artistic or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-sontag/unfortunately-moral-beauty-in-art-like-physical-beauty-in-a-person-is/) [Susan Sontag](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-sontag/) > [Ideal for the child and society in the best of times, Rudolf Steiner's brilliant process of education is critically needed and profoundly relevant now…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joseph-chilton-pearce/ideal-for-the-child-and-society-in-the-best-of-times-rudolf-steiner-s/) [Joseph Chilton Pearce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-chilton-pearce/) > [In a personal way, to do with family and the father-son relationship, in a kind of artistic way with regard to him being an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-serkis/in-a-personal-way-to-do-with-family-and-the-father-son-relationship/) [Andy Serkis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-serkis/) > [It took me a long time to get to where I am, but I am here and it is everywhere I want to be.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/princess-nokia/it-took-me-a-long-time-to-get-to-where-i-am-but-i-am-here-and-it-is/) [Princess Nokia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/princess-nokia/) > [When we idealize the real, we sacrifice to artistic fancy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-fuseli/when-we-idealize-the-real-we-sacrifice-to-artistic-fancy/) [Henry Fuseli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-fuseli/) > [For now, I'm supposing that all movements are equal, which they're not, except in this respect: that none of them gives a damn about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wilfrid-sheed/for-now-i-m-supposing-that-all-movements-are-equal-which-they-re-not/) [Wilfrid Sheed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilfrid-sheed/) > [At a time when painting itself often seems to be a threatened, even despised, form of artistic activity, Andrew Salgado emerges as a dazzlingly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-lucie-smith/at-a-time-when-painting-itself-often-seems-to-be-a-threatened-even/) Edward Lucie-Smith > [I think once the artistic world of the type designer merged with the scientific world of the computer programmer, you began to see this…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-bierut/i-think-once-the-artistic-world-of-the-type-designer-merged-with-the/) [Michael Bierut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-bierut/) > [Abstract Expressionism was invented by New York drunks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joni-mitchell/abstract-expressionism-was-invented-by-new-york-drunks/) [Joni Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joni-mitchell/) > [Writers and musicians know well the importance of extensive reading for successful writing or extensive listening for musical composition. Likewise, visual artists... understand that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-laseau/writers-and-musicians-know-well-the-importance-of-extensive-reading/) [Paul Laseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-laseau/) > [Being a Catholic, I was drawn to the mystery of the Latin and the smoke and the mirrors and all of that. That part…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-sarandon/being-a-catholic-i-was-drawn-to-the-mystery-of-the-latin-and-the/) [Susan Sarandon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-sarandon/) > [It is, of course, a luxury to create art and, on top of this, to insist on expressing one's own artistic opinion. Nothing is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-beckmann/it-is-of-course-a-luxury-to-create-art-and-on-top-of-this-to-insist/) [Max Beckmann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-beckmann/) > [Niches set back in the walls contained polished marble statues of entwined bodies. Will looked away from them hastily, and then back. It wasn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cassandra-clare/niches-set-back-in-the-walls-contained-polished-marble-statues-of/) [Cassandra Clare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cassandra-clare/) [Browse all 1,574 Artistic quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artistic/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with bladders of philosophy.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "John Wilmot" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-try-to-swim-with-bladders-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Artistic" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-try-to-swim-with-bladders-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f3e/john-wilmot-13308_artistic_books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-t_1898975.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Books bear him up a while, and make him try to swim with bladders of philosophy.” — John Wilmot", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "John Wilmot", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-wilmot/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Books bear him up a while,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-try-to-swim-with-bladders-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-wilmot/books-bear-him-up-a-while-and-make-him-try-to-swim-with-bladders-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```