Parents are usually more careful to bestow knowledge on their children rather than virtue, the art of speaking well rather than doing well; but their manners should be of the greatest concern.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
Thou mayest as well expect to grow stronger by always eating as wiser by always reading. Too much overcharges Nature, and turns more into disease than nourishment. 'Tis thought and digestion which makes books serviceable, and give health and vigor to the mind.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reading alone does not bring wisdom; it requires thought and reflection.
The quote emphasizes that simply consuming information, whether through books or experiences, is insufficient for gaining wisdom. Just as overeating can harm the body, overindulging in reading without critical thinking can lead to mental stagnation. True understanding comes from digesting the material thoughtfully, allowing it to enhance our mental acuity and clarity.
Themes
WisdomKnowledgeThoughtReadingUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher could use this quote to emphasize the importance of critical thinking in education.
More from R. Buckminster Fuller
All quotes →There is no such thing as genius, some children are just less damaged than others.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
Only the free-wheeling artist-explorer, non-academic, scientist-philosopher, mechanic, economist-poet who has never waited for patron-starting and accrediting of his co-ordinate capabilities holds the prime initiative today.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
The end move in politics is always to pick up a gun.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
I have spent most of my life unlearning things that were proved not to be true
R. Buckminster FullerRead
The earth is like a spaceship that didn't come with an operating manual.
R. Buckminster FullerRead
Similar quotes
When you get to be my age, baby, you have to pay time more respect.
Ava GardnerRead
Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.
Margaret Chase SmithRead
Sometimes, you get no second chance and that its best to accept the gifts the world offers you.
Paulo CoelhoRead
To realize that our knowledge is ignorance, This is a noble insight. To regard our ignorance as knowledge, This is mental sickness. Only when we are sick of the sickness Shall we cease to be sick. The Sage is not sick, being sick of sickness; This is the secret of health.
LaoziRead
It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.
Oscar WildeRead
There are no mistakes, no coincidences; all events are blessings given to us to learn from.
Elisabeth Kubler-RossRead