--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That was the only tragic thing about…" description: "\"“That was the only tragic thing about books: they changed people. All except the truly evil, who did not become better fathers, nicer husbands, more lo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/484/nina-george-8478_book_that-was-the-only-tragic-thing-about-boo_865394.jpg" --- # That was the only tragic thing about books: they changed… ![“That was the only tragic thing about books: they changed people. All except the truly evil, who did not become better fathers, nicer husbands, more loving friends. They remained tyrants, continued to torment their employees, children and dogs, were spiteful in petty matters and cowardly in…” quote by Nina George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/484/nina-george-8478_book_that-was-the-only-tragic-thing-about-boo_865394.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/484/nina-george-8478_book_that-was-the-only-tragic-thing-about-boo_865394.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/484/nina-george-8478_book_that-was-the-only-tragic-thing-about-boo_865394.jpg) > ““That was the only tragic thing about books: they changed people. All except the truly evil, who did not become better fathers, nicer husbands, more loving friends. They remained tyrants, continued to torment their employees, children and dogs, were spiteful in petty matters and cowardly in important ones, and rejoiced in their victims’ shame.”” [Nina George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nina-george/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Books transform most people positively, but the quote claims truly evil individuals remain unchanged and continue harmful behavior. **In simple terms:** Books improve most, but not the truly evil. Key Takeaway Recognize literature's limits in moral change. Themes growth morality literature Mood reflective critical Type philosophical analytical When to use this quote - education - personal development - leadership training Key Concepts human nature ethical development limitations of art Questions to Reflect On - Can evil truly be immutable? - What role does empathy play in change? 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