Believe Quote by Oliver DeMille
“Since the purpose of reading, of education, is to become good, our most important task is to choose the right books. Our personal set of stories, our canon, shapes our lives. I believe it is a law of the universe that we will not rise above our canon. Our canon is part of us, deeply, subconsciously. And the characters and teachings in our canon shape our characters--good, evil, mediocre, or great.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Reading, Oliver DeMille, 2015
Choosing the right books determines personal development because stories become internal guides that shape character and life choices.
In simple terms: Books shape who we become.
Key Takeaway
Select books that reflect the person you wish to be.
Themes
education
personal growth
literature
character formation
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Choosing a college major
- building a personal library
- curating a reading list for leadership development
Key Concepts
Narrative influence
self‑identity
cognitive framing
Questions to Reflect On
- What books have most shaped your values?
- How can you broaden your canon without losing depth?
A Different Perspective
A single book cannot define a whole life; diverse perspectives are also needed.
