The Book had in a high degree excited us to self-activity, which is the best effect of any book.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A book that inspires active thought is the most effective kind.
- In plain terms
- Books are best when they make you think and act on your own.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek resources that spark initiative rather than passive consumption.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What book made you act?
- How do you judge a book's value?
Another view
Passive learning is sometimes necessary for foundational knowledge.
More from Thomas Carlyle
There is endless merit in a man's knowing when to have done.
Permalink to quote #35 No man who has once heartily and wholly laughed can be altogether irreclaimably bad.
Permalink to quote #37 Nothing that was worthy in the past departs; no truth or goodness realized by man ever dies, or can die.
Permalink to quote #34
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