I felt convinced that however it might have been in former times, in the present stage of the world, no man's faculties could be developed, no man's moral principle be enlarged and liberal, without an extensive acquaintance with books.

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
About This Quote

In the quote, Emerson was speaking about the importance of reading. He believed that books had a tremendous impact on people. In fact, he believed it was possible for individuals to grow and change through the power of books. This quote from Emerson is one of his most famous quotes and can be applied to a great many things. The quote speaks about the importance of reading and learning, as well as how it can change a person's life.

Source: The Last Man

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More Quotes By Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  1. Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.

  2. No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.

  3. There was a considerable difference between the ages of my parents, but this circumstance seemed to unite them only closer in bonds of devoted affection.

  4. Seek happiness in tranquility and avoid ambition even if it be only the apparently innocent one of distinguishing yourself in science and discoveries.

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