Book Quote by Oliver Goldsmith
“In proportion as society refines, new books must ever become more necessary.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflections on societal progress and literature, 18th century
As societies become more sophisticated, the need for new books grows, suggesting literature evolves with cultural refinement.
In simple terms: More refined societies need more new books.
Key Takeaway
Encourage continual creation of fresh ideas.
Themes
progress
refinement
literature
necessity
culture
education
Mood
optimistic
critical
inquisitive
Type
cultural
philosophical
forward‑looking
When to use this quote
- publishing
- education
- cultural policy
- reading habits
Key Concepts
intellectual growth
knowledge expansion
creative demand
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance new works with preserving classics?
- What defines “necessary” literature in a refined society?
A Different Perspective
The claim may overlook the timeless value of classic works and the risk of quantity over quality.
![“[T]here are depths of thousands of miles which are hidden from our inquiry. The only tidings we have from those unfathomable regions are by means of volcanoes, those burning mountains that seem to discharge their materials from the lowest abysses of the earth.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b7d/oliver-goldsmith-772_abyss_t-here-are-depths-of-thousands-of-miles_88121.jpg)
