A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation.
James Freeman ClarkeRead
When I consider what some books have done for the world, and what they are doing, how they keep up our hope, awaken new courage and faith, soothe pain, give an ideal life those whose hours are cold and hard, bind together distant ages and foreign lands, create new worlds of beauty, bring down truth from heaven; I give eternal blessings for this gift, and thank God for books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Books profoundly impact lives, offering hope, courage, and a connection across time and place.
In this quote, James Freeman Clarke expresses the transformative power of books, highlighting their ability to inspire hope, awaken courage, and provide comfort during difficult times. He celebrates books as a vital gift that connects different eras and cultures, creating a beautiful world of imagination and truth that enriches human experience.
Themes
BooksHopeCourageWisdomEducation
In practice
Example use cases
During a book club meeting, I would quote this to highlight the importance of literature.
More from James Freeman Clarke
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I am moreover inclined to be concise when I reflect on the constant occupation of the citizens in public and private affairs, so that in their few leisure moments they may read and understand as much as possible.
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Writing is like everything else: the more you do it the better you get. Don't try to perfect as you go along, just get to the end of the damn thing. Accept imperfections. Get it finished and then you can go back. If you try to polish every sentence there's a chance you'll never get past the first chapter.
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Governments want efficient technicians, not human beings, because human beings become dangerous to governments – and to organized religions as well. That is why governments and religious organizations seek to control education.
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Reading is an exercise for learning how to write and vice versa. I have read myself into being a Christian, but I have also written myself into being a Christian.
Stanley HauerwasRead
I was brought up to believe that the only thing worth doing was to add to the sum of accurate information in the world.
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I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.
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