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Book Quote by Marilynne Robinson

“But I’ve developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by far, than I learned anything useful from, except, of course, that some very tedious gentlemen have written books.” quote by Marilynne Robinson
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““But I’ve developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by far, than I learned anything useful from, except, of course, that some very tedious gentlemen have written books.””

Marilynne Robinson

About This Quote

Source Essay or interview by Marilynne Robinson, exact source unknown

The speaker jokes that her reputation for wisdom comes from buying too many books and reading many that taught her little, apart from observing that tedious people write books.

In simple terms: Owning many books makes people think you're wise.

Key Takeaway

Wisdom is built by reading deeply, not just owning books.

Themes

books reading wisdom humor pretension

Mood

witty self-deprecating ironic

Type

humorous essayistic confession

When to use this quote

  • book collecting
  • academic posturing
  • self-deprecating humor
  • discussing reading habits

Key Concepts

intellectual vanity appearance of learning bibliophilia

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do I buy books to learn or to look smart?
  • What truly useful knowledge have I gained?
A Different Perspective

Real wisdom still demands careful, critical reading.

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