Books Quote by Jonathan Swift
““Whatever reader desires to have a thorough comprehension of an author's thoughts cannot take a better method than by putting himself into the circumstances and postures of life that the author was in upon every important passage as it flowed from his pen; for this will introduce a parity and strict correspondence of ideas between the reader and the author. Now, to assist the diligent reader in so delicate an affair, as far as brevity will permit, I have recollected that the shrewdest pieces of this treatise were conceived in bed in a garret; at other times (for a reason best known to myself) I thought fit to sharpen my invention with hunger; and in general, the whole work was begun, continued, and ended under a long course of physic and great want of money.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: A Tale of a Tub, 1704
Understanding an author's mind requires immersing oneself in their lived circumstances while reading.
In simple terms: Live like the author to grasp their ideas.
Key Takeaway
Empathize with the author's context.
Themes
empathy
reading
interpretation
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic study
- creative writing
- personal growth
- critical reading
Key Concepts
literary analysis
historical context
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simulate an author's experience with limited resources?
- What aspects of context most shape a writer's ideas?
A Different Perspective
The method may be impractical for many readers due to time or resource constraints.
![“[E]very man hath liberty to write, but few ability. Heretofore learning was graced by judicious scholars, but now noble sciences are vilified by base and illiterate scribblers, that either write for vain-glory, need, to get money, or as Parasites to flatter and collogue with some great men, they…” quote by Robert Burton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/792/robert-burton-10069_books_e-very-man-hath-liberty-to-write-but-few_213260.jpg)
