For many of our Greek friends a book is a final desperate attempt to fill the existential void when there is no one to talk to, nothing to do, no television to view, nothing in the street to watch and even the middle distance holds nothing to stare at. To be seen carrying a book in public, let alone reading one, is a mark of eccentricity or foreignness. John Mole
About This Quote

A book is a final desperate attempt to fill the existential void when there is no one to talk to, nothing to do, no television to view, nothing in the street to watch and even the middle distance holds nothing to stare at. The reason why people don’t read books is because they feel like they are alone. Even when they are in public places like parks or other places too small for them to be seen reading their favorite book. It’s not like other people could read the book and make conversation with them about it. People are afraid of being read by others.

Source: Its All Greek To Me!: A Tale Of A Mad Dog And An Englishman, Ruins, Retsinaand Real Greeks

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