Quote#Books & Reading
Books are influential in proportion to their obscurity, provided that…
Quote byCoventry Patmore · 1823–1896
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Rod, the Root, and the Flower (1895), Aurea Dicta CXLIII, p. 43..
English (original)
Books are influential in proportion to their obscurity, provided that the obscurity be that of inexpressible Realities. The Bible is the most obscure book in the world. He must be a great fool who thinks he understands the plainest chapter of it.
— Coventry Patmore
More from Coventry Patmore
Kind souls, you wonder why, love you, When you, you wonder why, love none. We love, Fool, for the good we do, Not that which unto us is done!
Ah, wasteful woman, she who may On her sweet self set her own price, Knowing man cannot choose but pay, How has she cheapen'd paradise; How given for nought her priceless gift, How spoil'd the bread and spill'd the wine,
How amiable and innocent Her pleasure in her power to charm!
Grant me the power of saying things Too simple and too sweet for words!
Strong passions mean weak will, and he Who truly knows the strength and bliss Which are in love, will own with me No passion but a virtue 'tis.
Love wakes men, once a lifetime each; They lift their heavy lids, and look; And, lo, what one sweet page can teach, They read with joy, then shut the book.