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Books are to be distinguished by the grandeur of their topics even more than by the manner in which they are treated.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The significance of a book lies more in its subject matter than in its writing style.

Henry David Thoreau emphasizes that the true value of a book is determined by the importance and breadth of its themes rather than the skillful execution of its writing. He suggests that profound ideas can shine through regardless of the author's style, and that the topics themselves should captivate readers and provoke thought.

Themes

BooksTopicsWritingValueIdeas

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about literature, one might say, 'As Thoreau noted, the greatness of books is rooted in their themes.'

More from Henry David Thoreau

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm.
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Through want of enterprise and faith men are where they are, buying and selling and spending their lives like servants.
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An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.
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Have no mean hours, but be grateful for every hour, and accept what it brings. The reality will make any sincere record respectable.
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As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.
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That grand old poem called Winter
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