--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't see the use of reading the same…" description: "\"“I don't see the use of reading the same thing over and over again,' said Phillip. 'That's only a laborious form of idleness.' But are you under the im..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/w-somerset-maugham-237_books_i-don-t-see-the-use-of-reading-the-same_829781.jpg" --- # I don't see the use of reading the same thing over and… ![“I don't see the use of reading the same thing over and over again,' said Phillip. 'That's only a laborious form of idleness.' But are you under the impression that you have so great a mind that you can understand the most profound writer at a first reading?' I don't want to understand him, I'm not…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/w-somerset-maugham-237_books_i-don-t-see-the-use-of-reading-the-same_829781.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/w-somerset-maugham-237_books_i-don-t-see-the-use-of-reading-the-same_829781.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20c/w-somerset-maugham-237_books_i-don-t-see-the-use-of-reading-the-same_829781.jpg) > ““I don't see the use of reading the same thing over and over again,' said Phillip. 'That's only a laborious form of idleness.' But are you under the impression that you have so great a mind that you can understand the most profound writer at a first reading?' I don't want to understand him, I'm not a critic. I'm not interested in him for his sake but for mine.' Why do you read then?' Partly for pleasure, because it's a habit and I'm just as uncomfortable if I don't read as if I don't smoke, and partly to know myself. When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me; I've got out of the book all that's any use to me and I can't get anythning more if I read it a dozen times. ...”” [W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-somerset-maugham/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Reading repeatedly can be a habit that offers comfort and occasional insight, not always deep analysis. **In simple terms:** Reading for comfort and occasional insight. Key Takeaway Read for pleasure, not perfection. Themes habit comfort self‑knowledge Mood contemplative introspective Type personal philosophical When to use this quote - leisure reading - self‑reflection - habit formation Key Concepts literary habit personal growth Questions to Reflect On - Why do you read? - What insight have you gained? A Different Perspective Over‑analysis can diminish enjoyment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Reading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reading/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [“Why d’you read then?” “Partly for pleasure, because it’s a habit and I’m just as uncomfortable if I don’t read as if I don’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-somerset-maugham/why-d-you-read-then-partly-for-pleasure-because-it-s-a-habit-and-i-m/) [W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-somerset-maugham/) > [“Why do you read then?' 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Partly for pleasure, because it's a habit and I'm just as uncomfortable if I don't read as if I don't smoke, and partly to know myself. When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me; I've got out of the book all that's any use to me and I can't get anythning more if I read it a dozen times. ...”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "W. 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