Quote#Books & Reading
With books, as with companions, it is of more consequence to know…
Quote byCharles Caleb Colton · 1777–1832
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Preface.
English (original)
With books, as with companions, it is of more consequence to know which to avoid, than which to choose; for good books are as scarce as good companions.
— Charles Caleb Colton
More from Charles Caleb Colton
That author, however, who has thought more than he has read, read more than he has written, and written more than he published, if he does not command success, has at least deserved it.
Style is indeed the valet of genius, and an able one too; but as the true gentleman will appear, even in rags, so true genius will shine, even through the coarsest style.
If we can advance any propositions that are both true and new, these are indisputably our own, by right of discovery; and if we can repeat what is old more briefly and brightly than others, this also becomes our own, by right of conquest.
Discretion has been termed the better part of valour, and it is more certain, that diffidence is the better part of knowledge.
We should have a glorious conflagration, if all who cannot put fire into their works would only consent to put their works into the fire.
A volume, therefore, that contains more words than ideas, like a tree that has more foliage than fruit, may suit those to resort to, who want not to feast, but to dream and to slumber.