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If the worst comes true, and the paper book joins the papyrus scroll and parchment codex in extinction, we will miss, I predict, a number of things about it.
John Updike
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the potential loss of physical books and their unique qualities if they become extinct.

John Updike's quote expresses a deep sense of nostalgia and concern for the potential disappearance of physical books. He suggests that if paper books were to vanish like earlier forms of written material, society would lose invaluable aspects of the reading experience, such as the tactile sensation of turning pages, the permanence of print, and the intimate connection readers often feel with a physical book. Updike emphasizes that the loss of these elements would carry significant cultural and emotional implications.

Themes

BooksLiteratureReadingExtinctionNostalgia

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of preserving literature, one could reference this quote to highlight the significance of physical books.

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