It is reasonable to assume that, by and large, what is not read now will not be read, ever. It is also reasonable to assume that practically nothing that is read now will be read later. Finally, it is not too farfetched to imagine a future in which novels are not read at all.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Current reading habits suggest a future where literature is largely ignored or forgotten.
- In plain terms
- Most things read today won't be read later, and maybe novels will disappear.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware that cultural consumption is shifting away from traditional reading.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What will we read in 100 years?
- Does quantity of reading matter more than quality?
Another view
Digital formats may ensure texts survive longer than print.
More from Gore Vidal
Precocious talents mature slowly if at all.
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