Quote by George Orwell
And if our book consumption remains as low as it has been, at least let us admit that it is because reading is a less exciting pastime than going to the dogs, the pictures or the pub, and not because books, whether bought or borrowed, are too expensive.
Summary
This quote suggests that the low level of book consumption is not due to the high cost of books but rather because reading is less thrilling compared to other activities like gambling, watching movies, or socializing at pubs. The quote poses the notion that people choose these more exciting pastimes instead of reading, regardless of whether they have to buy books or borrow them. It implies that the lack of interest in reading is not a result of financial constraints but rather a preference for more visually stimulating or social activities.