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About this quote

What does it mean?
A person who cannot read has no advantage over one who does not read good books.
In plain terms
Reading good books is essential; without reading, you gain nothing.
What can you take from it?
Read quality literature to gain an edge.

Where it applies

  • academic study
  • self‑education

Putting it to work

  • choose classic works
  • join a book club

Questions to consider

  • What defines a 'good' book?
  • How do you apply what you read?

Another view

Reading alone does not guarantee wisdom.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. Love your enemy, it'll scare the hell out of him.

    Permalink to quote #179
  2. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.

    Permalink to quote #181
  3. Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can read.

    Permalink to quote #178

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