QuoteProject
Somebody who only reads newspapers and at best books of contemporary authors looks to me like an extremely near-sighted person who scorns eyeglasses. He is completely dependent on the prejudices and fashions of his times, since he never gets to see or hear anything else.
Albert Einstein
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Relying solely on contemporary media limits one's perspective and understanding of the world.

In this quote, Albert Einstein emphasizes the importance of broadening one’s intellectual horizons beyond modern media and literature. He likens someone who only consumes contemporary sources to a near-sighted person who refuses to wear glasses, suggesting that such limited exposure results in a narrow worldview shaped by current trends and biases, preventing true understanding and insight.

Themes

ReadingKnowledgePerspectiveWisdomMediaIntellect

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the value of diverse literary sources, one could cite Einstein's quote to encourage students to explore a wider range of literature.

More from Albert Einstein

I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
Albert EinsteinRead
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
Albert EinsteinRead
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
Albert EinsteinRead
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
Albert EinsteinRead
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
Albert EinsteinRead
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
Albert EinsteinRead

Similar quotes

It's important to remember that people are always doing the best they can, including you.
Louise HayRead
The price of excellence is discipline. The cost of mediocrity is disappointment.
William Arthur WardRead
God gives us always strength enough, and sense enough, for what He wants us to do; if we either tire ourselves or puzzle ourselves, it is our own fault.
John RuskinRead
Until I became a published writer, I remained completely ignorant of books on how to write and courses on the subject ... they would have spoiled my natural style; made me observe caution; would have hedged me with rules.
Isaac AsimovRead
A noble hunger, long unsatisfied, met at last its proper food.
C. S. LewisRead
The choices you make today design your future
Deepak ChopraRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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