Quote by William Faulkner, character Thom
I learned little save that most of the deeds, good and bad both, incurring opprobrium or plaudits or reward either, within the scope of man's abilities, had already been performed and were to be learned about only from books.
Summary
This quote implies that through personal experience, one realizes that most of the significant actions in life have already been accomplished by others and can only be learned through literature. It highlights the idea that much can be gained from the knowledge and wisdom passed down in books, as they contain stories of both admirable and reprehensible deeds that allow individuals to learn and grow. Additionally, it suggests that books offer a valuable resource for understanding human capabilities and achievements.