Books Quote by Walter Benjamin
““And the non-reading of books, you will object, should be characteristic of all collectors? This is news to me, you may say. It is not news at all. experts will bear me out when I say that it is the oldest thing in the world. Suffice it to quote the answer which Anatole France gave to a philistine who admired his library and then finished with the standard question, “And you have read all these books, Monsieur France?” “Not one-tenth of them. I don’t suppose you use your Sevres china every day?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” (1936) and related writings
Reading is often dismissed as unnecessary, yet it remains the oldest and most fundamental way to acquire knowledge.
In simple terms: Reading is essential despite claims it’s outdated.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize reading for deep understanding.
Themes
knowledge
history
literacy
culture
education
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
intellectual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- personal growth
- teaching
- research
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
mediastudies
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people claim they don’t need to read?
- How can reading be made more appealing today?
A Different Perspective
Reading may be undervalued in fast‑paced societies.
