Aim Quote by Plutarch
“We ought to regard books as we do sweetmeats, not wholly to aim at the pleasantest, but chiefly to respect the wholesomest; not forbidding either, but approving the latter most.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Moralia, "On the Education of Children", 2nd century AD
Books should be valued for their nourishing, moral content more than mere pleasure, though enjoyment is not excluded.
In simple terms: Prioritize wholesome over merely pleasant reading.
Choose books that build character.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- personal growth
- parental guidance
- library selection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What book has shaped your values most?
- How do you balance enjoyment and moral instruction?
Pleasure can be essential; neglecting it may reduce engagement.