QuoteProject
If the crowns of all the kingdoms of the empire were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading I would spurn them all.
Francois Fenelon
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the value of knowledge and passion for reading over material wealth and power.

Francois Fenelon's quote illustrates the idea that a deep love for books and the knowledge they provide far outweighs any desire for wealth or power, represented by crowns. It reflects the belief that intellectual and personal fulfillment derived from reading and learning is more valuable than the most prestigious positions in society, highlighting the importance of wisdom and personal passion in one's life.

Themes

KnowledgeReadingBooksWisdomValue

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of education and personal growth, this quote could serve as a powerful testament to the value of reading.

More from Francois Fenelon

Genuine good taste consists in saying much in few words, in choosing among our thoughts, in having order and arrangement in what we say, and in speaking with composure.
Francois FenelonRead
True prayer is only another name for the love of God. Its excellence does not consist in the multitude of our words; for our Father knoweth what things we have need of before we ask Him. The true prayer is that of the heart, and the heart prays only for what it desires. To pray, then is to desire -- but to desire what God would have us desire. He who asks what he does not from the bottom of his heart desire, is mistaken in thinking that he prays.
Francois FenelonRead
The greatest of all crosses is self. If we die in part every day, we shall have but little to do on the last. These little daily deaths will destroy the power of the final dying.
Francois FenelonRead
How rare it is to find a soul quiet enough to hear God speak.
Francois FenelonRead
If we were faultless we should not be so much annoyed by the defects of those with whom we associate.
Francois FenelonRead
You can often help others more by correcting your own faults than theirs. Remember, and you should, because of your own experience, that allowing God to correct your faults is not easy. Be patient with people, wait for God to work with them as He wills.
Francois FenelonRead

Similar quotes

Be a good human being, a warm-hearted affectionate person. That is my fundamental belief. Having a sense of caring, a feeling of compassion will bring happiness of peace of mind to oneself and automatically create a positive atmosphere.
Dalai LamaRead
Man should forget his anger before he lies down to sleep.
Mahatma GandhiRead
I've always found a cure for the blues is wandering into something unknown, and resting there, before coming back to whatever weight you were carrying.
Diane SawyerRead
I teach people that no matter what the situation is, no matter how chaotic, no matter how much drama is around you, you can heal by your presence if you just stay within your center.
Deepak ChopraRead
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark TwainRead
We do need knowledge. And perhaps in a thousand years we might pick smaller cliffs to jump off. The books are to remind us what asses and fools we are.
Ray BradburyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.