He had read much, if one considers his long life but his contemplation was much more than his reading. He was wont to say that if he had read as much as other men he should have known no more than other men.

Summary

This quote emphasizes that the individual in question placed greater importance on deep contemplation rather than simply accumulating knowledge through reading. Despite having a wealth of literary materials at his disposal throughout his long life, he believed that true understanding and wisdom came from reflecting on what he had read, rather than merely consuming a large quantity of information. By implying that reading alone does not guarantee knowledge, he posited that thoughtful meditation on what one reads is essential for genuine enlightenment.