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About this quote

What does it mean?
Do not own many learned books without actually learning from them.
In plain terms
Do not collect books without actually learning from them.
What can you take from it?
Possessing knowledge matters more than owning books.

Where it applies

  • organizing a library
  • discussing learning
  • self-education

Putting it to work

  • library ethics
  • study habits
  • self-improvement

Questions to consider

  • Do you buy books you never read?
  • What is more valuable, owning or learning?

Another view

It ignores the value of having books available for future learning.

More from Desiderius Erasmus

  1. This type of man who is devoted to the study of wisdom is always most unlucky in everything, and particularly when it comes to procreating children; I imagine …

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  2. Indeed, a constant element of enjoyment must be mingled with our studies, so that we think of learning as a game rather than a form of drudgery.

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  3. For what is life but a play in which everyone acts a part until the curtain comes down?

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