What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation?
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Libraries are starting places for the adventure of learning that can go on whatever one's vocation and location in life. Reading is an adventure like that of discovery itself. Libraries are our base camp.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Libraries serve as key starting points for lifelong learning and exploration.
In this quote, James H. Billington highlights the importance of libraries as foundational institutions for education and discovery. He compares the act of reading to an adventure, suggesting that libraries provide the essential resources and environment for individuals to embark on their unique journeys of learning, regardless of their personal or professional paths.
Themes
LibrariesLearningAdventureReadingEducation
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a community event, one might quote this to emphasize the role of libraries in fostering learning.
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