If you get down about the state of American culture, just remember there are still more public libraries in this country than there are McDonalds.
David McculloughRead
It was a day and age that saw no reason why one could not learn whatever was required - learn vitally anything - by the close study of books.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the power of books as a means of acquiring any knowledge one desires.
David McCullough highlights an era where the pursuit of knowledge through books was not only possible but actively encouraged. It reflects the belief that through dedicated reading and study, individuals can gain expertise and understanding in any field, reinforcing the concept that curiosity and diligence can lead to mastery.
Themes
BooksKnowledgeLearningEducationWisdomStudy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used as a motivational statement during a seminar on lifelong learning.
More from David Mccullough
All quotes βThere is only one person who can measure your success. That person is you.
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I just thank my father and mother, my lucky stars, that I had the advantage of an education in the humanities.
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Napoleon could never imagine that some people loved their country as much as he loved his own.
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When the founders wrote about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, they didn't mean longer vacations and more comfortable hammocks. They meant the pursuit of learning. The pursuit of improvement and excellence. In hard work is happiness.
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Any nation that expects to be ignorant and free," Jefferson said, "expects what never was and never will be." And if the gap between the educated and the uneducated in America continues to grow as it is in our time, as fast as or faster than the gap between the rich and the poor, the gap between the educated and the uneducated is going to be of greater consequence and the more serious threat to our way of life. We must not, by any means, misunderstand that.
David McculloughRead
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