Selective

“Good books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.”

― Amos Bronson Alcott, Tablets

You might not know Alcott as well as some other literary figures, but he was a trailblazer in the world of education and philosophy. He believed in the power of thoughtful discourse and the importance of surrounding oneself with quality books and companions.

In this quote, Alcott shares his insights on life, learning, and the pursuit of wisdom. Alcott extols the virtues of good books, likening them to cherished friends whose company brings joy and enrichment to our lives. And you know what? He’s onto something profound here.

Our world today is so fast paced, where digital distractions abound, and constantly pulling our attention spans in a million different directions. Hence, the importance of quality over quantity has never been more relevant. Just as we carefully curate our social circles to include those who uplift and inspire us, so too should we curate our reading lists to include books that nourish our minds and souls.

Alcott’s quote serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize depth over breadth, to seek out those literary gems that resonate deeply with our hearts and minds. Because in a world overflowing with information, true wisdom lies not in the sheer volume of what we consume, but in the select few books that leave a lasting impact on our lives.

How about you? What do you think? Do you agree with this quote? I’m looking forward to knowing your thoughts.