Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations. Books, the oldest and the best, stand naturally and rightfully on the shelves of every cottage. They have no cause of their own to plead, but while they enlighten and sustain the reader his common sense will not refuse them. Their authors are a natural and irresistible aristocracy in every society, and, more than kings or emperors, exert an influence on mankind. .Henry David Thoreau
About This Quote
While this quote is clearly about the importance of books, it also shows the author's belief in human progress. Books are treasured because they help us learn and grow, and because they last for generations. The phrase "books the oldest and the best" refers to books that have stood the test of time. Books with useful information are less likely to be replaced by newer books or more popular books. This quote also shows that an author believes that people are better off when they are reading more books than less, since they will be exposed to more knowledge.
Source: Walden
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