Books Quote by Richard de Bury
![“[A]ll who are smitten with the love of books think cheaply of the world and wealth; as Jerome says to Vigilantius: The same man cannot love both gold and books... The hideousness of vice is greatly reprobated in books, so that he who loves to commune with books is lead to detest all manner of…” quote by Richard de Bury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fa2/richard-de-bury-38022_books_a-ll-who-are-smitten-with-the-love-of-bo_1884925.jpg)
““[A]ll who are smitten with the love of books think cheaply of the world and wealth; as Jerome says to Vigilantius: The same man cannot love both gold and books... The hideousness of vice is greatly reprobated in books, so that he who loves to commune with books is lead to detest all manner of vice. The demon, who derives his name from knowledge, is most effectually defeated by the knowledge of books, and through books his multitudinous deceits and the endless labyrinths of his guile are laid bare to those who read...””
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Library of the Learned by Richard de Bury, 1349
Books cultivate moral discernment by exposing vice and revealing truth, making readers less susceptible to corruption.
In simple terms: Reading reveals truth and discourages vice.
Key Takeaway
Read to sharpen moral judgment.
Themes
knowledge
morality
literature
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- education
- ethical decision making
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
ethical awareness
critical thinking
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reading shape your ethical choices?
- Can knowledge from books substitute for real‑world experience?
A Different Perspective
Books alone cannot replace lived experience or practical wisdom.
