Quote by Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Books that have become classics -- books that have had their day and now get more praise than perusal -- always remind me of retired colonels and majors and captains who, having reached the age limit, find themselves retired on half pay.
Summary
This quote suggests that books considered classics are often similar to retired military officers who have reached the maximum age allowed for service and are now retired with a reduced income. Just like these retired officers who are no longer actively serving but are still esteemed, classic books are praised and respected despite not being actively read or engaging with contemporary readers. The comparison highlights how time can impact the relevance and readership of books, similarly to how age affects the status and duties of retired military personnel.
Topics
Books
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