Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of her drawingup at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through–and very good lists they were–very well chosen, and very neatly arranged–sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen– I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now. But I have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma. She will never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding. Jane Austen
About This Quote

Emma has been meaning to read more ever since she was twelve years old. I have seen a great many lists of her drawingup at various times of books that she meant to read regularly through—and very good lists they were—very well chosen, and very neatly arranged—sometimes alphabetically, and sometimes by some other rule. The list she drew up when only fourteen—I remember thinking it did her judgment so much credit, that I preserved it some time; and I dare say she may have made out a very good list now. But I have done with expecting any course of steady reading from Emma. She will never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding.

Source: Emma

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More Quotes By Jane Austen
  1. There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.
  2. A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.
  3. In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.
  4. The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!
  5. I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.
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