We call those poets who are first to mark, Through earth's dull mist the coming of the dawn, Who see in twilight's gloom the first pale spark, While others only note that day is gone.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
The books we read should be chosen with great care, that they may be, as an Egyptian king wrote over his library,'The medicines of the soul.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of selecting books wisely as they can greatly influence our inner well-being.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. highlights that books have a profound impact on our mental and emotional state. Just as medicines heal the body, the right books can nurture and heal our souls, suggesting that we should be deliberate in our choices of literature to foster personal growth and understanding.
Themes
BooksEducationSoulWisdomChoice
In practice
Example use cases
During a book club discussion, one could invoke this quote to stress the importance of thoughtful reading.
More from Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
All quotes βEvery real thought on every real subject knocks the wind out of somebody or other.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
The very aim and end of our institutions is just this: that we may think what we like and say what we think.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Don't you stay at home of evenings? Don't you love a cushioned seat in a corner, by the fireside, with your slippers on your feet?
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Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
Take your needle, my child, and work at your pattern; it will come out a rose by and by. Life is like that - one stitch at a time taken patiently and the pattern will come out all right like the embroidery.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.Read
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