Books Quote by Robert Lawson
““Louie was still scratching his head when Tim McGrath wandered over. "What did I tell you about folks that read books too much?" Tim demanded. "makes 'em queer, that's what it does. Why here's these people, as nice pleasant-spoken as you could want --but queer. Only yesterdayI was telling them they'd have to get rid of these here moles. Said I'd bring up a couple of my traps and set 'em, and she sez quick, just like she sez to you, 'No. No traps.' So I sez I'd got some good poison I could put out and he sez, 'No. No poison.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The Bookish Trap", 1935
A character warns that excessive reading can make people appear odd, but the speaker resists using traps or poison, highlighting the absurdity of trying to control intellectual curiosity.
In simple terms: Over‑reading is mocked, yet attempts to suppress it are futile.
Key Takeaway
Respect curiosity; avoid coercive control.
Themes
education
curiosity
conformity
humor
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- classroom discussions
- family debates
- media criticism
- personal growth
Key Concepts
intellectual freedom
social pressure
absurdity
Questions to Reflect On
- Why label curiosity as "queer"?
- What are healthier ways to discuss intellectual differences?
A Different Perspective
Attempts to curb reading can backfire, showing the value of open minds.
