"Those who buy only one book, read only that one and then get rid of it. They simply apply the consumer mentality to books, that is, they consider them a consumer product, a good. Those who love books know that a book is anything but a commodity." Umberto Eco
Those of us who cannot live without books know exactly what he means. Some people don't understand why you don't throw or give away a book once you read them, they have no understand how we relate to those stories.
"To be apolitical is to be political without realizing it." Rosa Luxemburg
I know exactly what she means. Those people who don't go to elections, for example, influence them just as much as those who vote, if not more.
"It's better to have your nose in a book, than in someone else's business" Adam Stanley
And the stories in the book are so much more exciting than those we see in our neighbourhood.
Find more book quotes here.
I like the Eco comment. Books are many things, but simple 'commodities' are not one of them. I find it terrible how some people treat books!
ReplyDeleteRosa is definitely correct! Not voting is a political act. It's like the origin of the word idiot in Greek - it means someone who isn't politically involved! Rosa Luxemburg is an interesting person. I've had a book of her writings for decades - typically unread. I really should get around to reading it!
I just had a conversation with another blogger the other day about people who don't "understand" that you keep the books you read, that you read so much etc. No way to understand them.
DeleteRosa was a highly interesting person. We need more Rosas in this world.
Have a great weekend, Kitten.
Yes, to all of these quotes. The apolitical one especially resonates.
ReplyDeleteI am currently trying to cull my books as we are doing a remodel this summer, and it is hard to say that I will never read a particular book again and put it in the donate pile. But, needs must!
Thanks, Jane. I totally agree, of course. ;)
DeleteIt is always hard to get rid of books. I try to do it from time to time with the last ones I read but but I need to go through the overall collection. Extremely hard, so I can feel your pain.
I wish you good luck with that.
Adam Stanley's quote is fabulous!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Lisa.
ReplyDelete