John Barth Quotes

[Among the books he chooses, a statesman] ought to read interesting books on history and government, and books of science and philosophy; and really good books on these subjects are as enthralling as any fiction ever written in prose or verse.

I think of an intellectual as just being bookish, being interested in history books, utopian ideas, that kind of thing.

As a kid, I used to go to the library and take out all the art books.

The true university of these days is a collection of books.

My whole life, I had been taught to read and study, to seek understanding in knowledge of history, of cultures.

The proper study of mankind is books.

After all manner of professors have done their best for us, the place we are to get knowledge is in books. The true university of these days is a collection of books.

Cherish the interests of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries of them.

All honor to the noble women that have devoted earnest lives to the intellectual needs of mankind!

I love to learn, and at some level, there's something to learn from my books. And I love art and philosophy, so there's something philosophical about my fiction.

As far as reading is concerned, I like historical and political books and works of art.

Tupac loved to read! Books were a constant part of his life.

Through books you will meet poets and novelists whose creations will fire your imagination. You will meet the great thinkers who will share with you their philosophies, their concepts of the world, of humanity and of creation. You will learn about events that have shaped our history, of deeds both noble and ignoble. All of this knowledge is yours for the taking… Your library is a storehouse for mind and spirit. Use it well.

I do lots of reading and speaking at many universities about literature and also about politics, which is as much a part of my life as the literature.

I loved everything. I read everything. Art and poetry and literature and trash and sci fi. I didn't know what I would become yet and I needed to read to figure it out.

Read good, big important things.

Half my life is in book's written pages. Live and learn from fools and from sages.

History teaches everything, even the future.

The more you read, the more you realize there are fascinating books to be read and so little time to do so.

The man who is too busy to read is never likely to lead.

You'll enjoy it. There is much you can learn from books and scrolls," said Jeod. He gestured at the walls. "These books are my friends, my companions. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life." "It sounds intriguing," admitted Eragon. "Always the scholar, aren't you?" asked Brom. Jeod shrugged. "Not anymore. I'm afraid I've degenerated into a bibliophile.

I read," I say. "I study and read. I bet I've read everything you read. Don't think I haven't. I consume libraries. I wear out spines and ROM-drives. I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The library, and step on it." My instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, I can tell, with all due respect. But it transcends the mechanics. I'm not a machine. I feel and believe. I have opinions. Some of them are interesting. I could, if you'd let me, talk and talk.

An honest bookstore would post the following sign above its 'self-help' section: 'For true self-help, please visit our philosophy, literature, history and science sections, find yourself a good book, read it, and think about it.

The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one's encounter with it in a book.

If you are a man of learning, read something classic, a history of the human struggle and don't settle for mediocre verse.