Observe, record, tabulate, communicate. Use your five senses. Learn to see, learn to hear, learn to feel, learn to smell, and know that by practice alone you can become expert.
William OslerRead
It is much simpler to buy books than to read them and easier to read them than to absorb their contents.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acquiring knowledge is easier than truly understanding and integrating it into oneβs life.
This quote emphasizes the difference between merely purchasing or reading books and actually understanding and applying the knowledge contained within them. It suggests that while access to information is easy, the true challenge lies in absorbing and utilizing that knowledge effectively, which requires deeper engagement and effort.
Themes
BooksReadingKnowledgeUnderstandingEducation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote would be great to include in a presentation about the importance of critical reading.
More from William Osler
All quotes βThere is no more difficult art to acquire than the art of observation, and for some men it is quite as difficult to record an observation in brief and plain language.
William OslerRead
One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.
William OslerRead
No bubble is so iridescent or floats longer than that blown by the successful teacher.
William OslerRead
The young physician starts life with 20 drugs for each disease, and the old physician ends life with one drug for 20 diseases.
William OslerRead
Let each hour of the day have its allotted duty, and cultivate that power of concentration which grows with its exercise.
William OslerRead
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A good day is one where I can not just read a book, but write a review of it. Maybe today I'll be able to do that. I get for some reason somewhat stronger when the sun starts to go down. Dusk is a good time for me. I'm crepuscular.
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Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
Dwight D. EisenhowerRead