QuoteProject
Often have I sighed to measure By myself a lonely pleasure,- Sighed to think I read a book, Only read, perhaps, by me.
William Wordsworth
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects the solitary joy of reading and the introspective nature of enjoying literature that may resonate only with oneself.

In this quote, William Wordsworth expresses a deep sense of solitude intertwined with the pleasure of reading. He suggests that there is a unique enjoyment found in engaging with literature, which may remain a private experience, potentially unshared by others. This sentiment highlights the introspective and personal nature of reading, where individuals can find solace and joy in narratives that speak to their own experiences and emotions, even if they are the only ones who appreciate that particular book.

Themes

ReadingSolitudePleasureLiteratureIntrospection

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of reading, one might use this quote to highlight the personal connection one can have with books.

More from William Wordsworth

For mightier far_x000D_ _x000D_ Than strength of nerve or sinew, or the sway_x000D_ _x000D_ Of magic potent over sun and star,_x000D_ _x000D_ Is love, though oft to agony distrest,_x000D_ _x000D_ And though his favourite be feeble woman's breast.
William WordsworthRead
By all means sometimes be alone; salute thyself; see what thy soul doth wear; dare to look in thy chest; and tumble up and down what thou findest there.
William WordsworthRead
There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,_x000D_ _x000D_ The earth, and every common sight,_x000D_ _x000D_ To me did seem_x000D_ _x000D_ Apparelled in celestial light,_x000D_ _x000D_ The glory and the freshness of a dream.
William WordsworthRead
Books are yours, Within whose silent chambers treasure lies Preserved from age to age; more precious far Than that accumulated store of gold And orient gems, which, for a day of need, The Sultan hides deep in ancestral tombs. These hoards of truth you can unlock at will.
William WordsworthRead
The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: Little we see in Nature that is ours; We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon! The Sea that bares her bosom to the moon; The winds that will be howling at all hours, And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers; For this, for everything, we are out of tune.
William WordsworthRead
Shalt show us how divine a thing A woman may be made.
William WordsworthRead

Similar quotes

For want of self-restraint many men are engaged all their lives in fighting with difficulties of their own making.
Samuel SmilesRead
I am learning the Language of World and everything in the world is beginning to make sense to me
Paulo CoelhoRead
Emotions get in the way but they don't pay me to start crying at the loss of 269 lives. They pay me to put some perspective on the situation.
Ted KoppelRead
Never lose hope, my heart, miracles dwell in the invisible. If the whole world turns against you keep your eyes on the Friend.
RumiRead
The man who walks with wise men becomes wise himself.
SolomonRead
The greatest remedy that is used against a plan of the enemy is to do voluntarily what he plans that you do by force.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by William Wordsworth | QuoteProject