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Books, not which afford us a cowering enjoyment, but in which each thought is of unusual daring; such as an idle man cannot read, and a timid one would not be entertained by, which even make us dangerous to existing institution - such call I good books.
Henry David Thoreau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Good books challenge our thinking and provoke us to question societal norms.

Henry David Thoreau's quote emphasizes the importance of engaging with literature that stimulates bold and critical thinking. He suggests that true good books are those that provoke the reader to challenge existing beliefs and institutions, stirring a sense of danger in complacency and promoting intellectual courage. They are not merely for passive enjoyment; rather, they require active engagement and a willingness to confront difficult ideas.

Themes

BooksReadingChallengeThoughtIntellectCourage

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the impact of literature on society.

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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