A good book is the very essence of a good man. His virtues survive in it, while the foibles and faults of his actual life are forgotten. All the goodly company of the excellent and great sit around my table, or look down on me from yonder shelves, waiting patiently to answer my questions and enrich me with their wisdom. A precious book is a foretaste of immortality.

Summary

This quote suggests that a good book can embody the essence of a morally upright person. It implies that the virtues and greatness of an individual can be preserved within the pages of a book, even if their real-life shortcomings are forgotten. The quote also asserts that reading offers the opportunity to engage with an esteemed company of intellectuals and learn from their wisdom. In this sense, a valuable book is portrayed as a glimpse into eternity, encapsulating knowledge that can endure through time.

Topics