Now, my novel begins. No, now I begin my novel—and yet I cannot decide whether to call myself I or she.
Elizabeth HardwickRead
The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reading is a valuable and affordable gift that enriches your mind and spirit.
This quote emphasizes the profound impact that reading can have on an individual's life. It suggests that reading serves not only as a source of entertainment and distraction, but also as a means of acquiring knowledge, gaining diverse experiences, and achieving moral clarity. Hardwick portrays reading as an essential tool for personal growth and understanding the world.
Themes
ReadingPassionKnowledgeExperienceEducationMoral Illumination
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club meeting, one might share this quote to inspire others to read more.
More from Elizabeth Hardwick
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Every single minute matters, every single child matters, every single childhood matters.
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