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Books are divided into two classes, the books of the hour and the books of all time.
John Ruskin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Books can be categorized based on their immediate relevance or their lasting impact over time.

John Ruskin suggests that literature can be classified into two distinct groups: those that address contemporary issues and resonate with current readers, and those that possess enduring value, remaining significant across generations. This highlights the difference between transient popularity and timeless wisdom found in written works.

Themes

BooksLiteratureWisdomTimelessEducation

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about the importance of reading, one might say this quote.

More from John Ruskin

Endurance is nobler than strength, and patience than beauty.
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In health of mind and body, men should see with their own eyes, hear and speak without trumpets, walk on their feet, not on wheels, and work and war with their arms, not with engine-beams, nor rifles warranted to kill twenty men at a shot before you can see them.
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You talk of the scythe of Time, and the tooth of Time: I tell you, Time is scytheless and toothless; it is we who gnaw like the worm - we who smite like the scythe. It is ourselves who abolish - ourselves who consume: we are the mildew, and the flame.
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To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered.
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See that your children be taught, not only the labors of the earth, but the loveliness of it.
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A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
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With but a few exceptions, we don't have this personal study under masters any more. Craftsmanship has sunk very low. We no longer have any universally creative persons who are able to guide young learners not only in technical matters but also, at the same time, in a formal way.
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