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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lichtenberg critiques intellectual laziness, suggesting reading can replace active thinking.
In plain terms
Some read instead of thinking for themselves.
What can you take from it?
Reading should supplement thought, not replace it.

Where it applies

  • studying
  • self-education
  • daily routine

Putting it to work

  • engage actively with text
  • reflect after reading
  • question sources

Questions to consider

  • Do you read to avoid thinking?
  • How do you process what you read?

Another view

Reading often stimulates thought rather than replacing it.

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